Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Explains Heated Touchline Tussle With Niko Kovac

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Explains Heated Touchline Tussle With Niko Kovac
11:15, 20 Feb 2019

In the aftermath of Liverpool’s goalless Champions League draw against Bayern Munich the camera panned to the touchline for the traditional manager handshake, although when the two bosses crossed paths they didn’t appear best pleased with one another as they were shown locked in a heated dispute.

Jurgen Klopp and Niko Kovac did shake hands, but as the Bayern boss attempted to start a conversation he was dismissed by Klopp who then began gesturing animatedly, as the Croatian tried to hold on to the German gaffer’s arm - scroll down for the video via Virgin Media Sport.

So what was that all about?

"I wanted to shake Niko's hand immediately but he went and shook all of the Bayern players’ hands," said Klopp in his post match press conference, via Sky Sports News.

"Then when he came back I said 'I am waiting' and he apologised and I said no problem and he wants to apologise again. That's how it was."

Meanwhile, Kovac insisted it was just a clash of cultures - perhaps forgetting that Klopp previously managed in the Bundesliga with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund...

"That was funny. We were on English soil. In Germany it is normal when games end you shake hands with your players.

"In England, first the coaches shake hands. So I did what I did in Germany, said sorry and made up for it. And in Germany we will do it as we do it in Germany."

The duo will lock horns for the second-leg over in Germany on Wednesday 13th March. The teams can’t be separated in the betting to progress, both 10/11, in what promises to be another tense affair.

x
Suggested Searches:
The Sportsman
Manchester United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Premier League
Sportsman HQ
72-76 Cross St
Manchester M2 4JG
We will not ask you to provide any personal information when using The Sportsman website. You may see advertisement banners on the site, and if you choose to visit those websites, you will accept the terms and conditions and privacy policy applicable to those websites. The link below directs you to our Group Privacy Policy, and our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by email at: [email protected]

All original material is Copyright © 2019 by The Sportsman Communications Ltd.
Other material is copyright their respective owners.