Klopp takes ex-Liverpool star to task over ‘massive misunderstanding’ after Milner fight claim
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has responded to Ragnar Klavan following the former Red’s claim that his coach almost had a fight with James Milner.
Klopp has always had an aggressive-looking nature about him, especially on the touchline. Although, he has continually insisted that he does not mean any malice from his actions. Still, Klavan claimed to reveal such anger in a behind-the-scenes reveal.
The Estonian centre-back was speaking to a recent YouTube podcast about the aftermath of a 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Sunderland in January 2017.
Daniel Sturridge had put the Reds ahead, but Jermaine Defoe responded with a brace. In fact, his second goal rescued the Black Cats a point after Sadio Mane’s strike.
James Milner was also in the Liverpool line-up – at left-back – and Klavan said: “Klopp and James Milner almost started a physical fight. It was the period when there was Boxing Day in England and they almost started fighting but eventually Milner stepped back,” he stated.
“We saw from his eyes that Klopp would have gone all the way just to prove his point.
“It was the most stressful time for him as well. He was under a lot of pressure.”
Klopp was midway through his first full season in charge of the Reds – a season campaign where he would return the club to the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish.
But speaking in a recent press conference, Klopp responded to Klavan.
The manager told a press conference that Klavan had clearly misunderstood the situation after the draw.
Klopp responds to Klavan, Liverpool claims
“It must be a massive misunderstanding,” the German said.
“I don’t know exactly what Ragnar’s level is but we were not close [to fighting]. I know now which situation he means, but I didn’t step in his direction.
“Everybody knows how I look when I speak or shout; it looks quite aggressive without being aggressive. Maybe Ragnar was not used to that yet.
“It was nothing. James Milner would never do that and I would never do that. It’s all fine.”
Klopp has since turned Liverpool into a Champions League and Premier League-winning force.
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