Jurgen Klopp downplayed the altercation between Pep Guardiola and Darwin Nunez following the 1-1 Premier League tie between Liverpool and Manchester City at the Etihad. Klopp intervened to defuse the situation, emphasizing that it was a moment of strong emotions rather than indicative of a deepening rivalry between the teams.
Klopp dismissed the notion of animosity, stating, “It’s not about how much we hate each other; we’re just peers.” He questioned the concept of a tough rival and pointed out that such intensity is part of the game. The Liverpool manager clarified that the post-game incident was unrelated to the historical rivalry between the two teams, suggesting that Nunez might not be aware of its significance.
Addressing the emotional aspect, Klopp stated, “It’s feelings. We all want to win, including Pep.” He expressed his attempt to calm the situation despite not being directly involved, highlighting his concern for both individuals involved. Klopp acknowledged the competitive nature of the sport and the disappointment of both managers in not securing a victory.
Reflecting on his role in the incident, Klopp admitted uncertainty, saying, “What happened after the game has nothing to do with a rivalry that has been very strong in the past.” He reiterated that he believes there’s nothing that needs fixing, attributing the clash to the inherent emotions tied to the desire for victory.
