Klopp gives verdict on what happened between Darwin Nunez and Pep Guardiola

Klopp played down the touchline altercation between Darwin Nunez and Pep Guardiola after Liverpool’s hard-fought draw against Manchester City.

Nunez and the City boss animatedly exchanged words shortly after the final whistle

Klopp was compelled to step in and drag Nunez away before the situation escalated with other coaching staff also intervening.

But the Reds boss believes it was merely a case of emotions running high rather than signs of a simmering dislike between the two clubs.

Klopp

“It has nothing to do with the fierce rivalry,”

“I don’t know what you are trying to make of that. It’s not a fierce rivalry, we are just rivals. What is a fierce rival? Where do you see that, on the pitch in challenges?

"This situation after the game has nothing to do with a historical fierce rivalry. I don’t think Darwin Nunez knows anything about that!

“Emotions. I am not sure I am the one who should explain it as I wasn’t the one involved – surprisingly! - I was absolutely not involved.

"I love them both so I tried to calm the situation down a bit without knowing 100% what had happened because I didn’t understand a word.

“I really think it’s nothing that isn’t already sorted. It’s emotions. Pep wants to win and we want to win. Both didn’t win, so obviously nobody is really happy and on the day these things can happen.”