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Theresa May has been mocked for suggesting she could make a Liverpool-style comeback in securing a Brexit deal.
The Prime Minister compared the odds-defying victory in last night’s Champion’s League semi-final with Brexit after being told by Jeremy Corbyn she should take tips from Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp.
Some on Twitter suggested the comparison with Brexit was ironic as Liverpool’s victory means they remain in the European competition.
“In view of the amazing performance of Liverpool last night, perhaps the Prime Minister could take some tips from Jurgen Klopp on how to get a good result in Europe,” Mr Corbyn had said during PMQs.
Mrs May replied: “I actually think that when we look at the Liverpool win over Barcelona last night, what it shows is that when everyone says it’s all over, that your European opposition have got you beat, the clock is ticking down, it’s time to concede defeat, actually we can still secure success if everyone comes together.”
Comedian David Schneider. tweeted in response: “Absolutely fine for Theresa May to compare herself to Liverpool as long as she remembers that Liverpool have stayed in Europe.”
Educational YouTuber Brady Haran seemed to agree, saying Liverpool’s “mighty scrap to stay in Europe” was “perhaps not the best bandwagon to be jumping on”.
Others pointed out that Klopp, from Germany, has said he wants the UK to stay in the EU, telling Channel 4 News in 2018 Brexit “is not the solution” and calling for a second referendum.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker added: “Yes, that band of mixed ethnicities with their German manager battling to remain in Europe. Perfect analogy.”
It was also noted that the city of Liverpool voted by 58 per cent to remain in the 2016 referendum.
“Theresa May compares herself to Liverpool,” tweeted another user.
“A club whose foundations were built by a socialist and whose present team is managed by a Europhile in a city that strongly voted Remain. Yeah, right.”
Former Downing Street press secretary Alastair Campbell tweeted: “Someone in Number 10 actually suggested @theresa-may should try to channel Jurgen Klopp …”
It is not the first time a Prime Minister has been mocked after discussing football, with David Cameron appearing to confuse Aston Villa with fellow claret-wearing club West Ham when talking about the beautiful game in 2015.
Mr Cameron, a Villa fan, said: “This a country where…you can support Man Utd, the Windies and Team GB all at the same time.
“Of course, I’d rather you supported West Ham.”
When asked about his mistake he later said he “must have been overcome by something”.
