Jurgen Klopp & Pep Guardiola give verdict on Darwin Nunez incident after Man City 1-1 Liverpool

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp downplayed the coming together between the former and Darwin Nunez, after Saturday’s Premier League game between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Premier League’s top two sides drew 1-1 at the Etihad, in a slightly underwhelming but tight game, with Erling Haaland and Trent Alexander-Arnold on target. But after the game, emotions boiled over somewhat, with Nunez and Guardiola exchanging words.

The Liverpool striker seemed to accuse Guardiola of something and was pointed to the pitch. Both were separated by Liverpool staff, but it was a confrontational end to what had been a relatively mild-mannered affair. Both managers were asked about the incident after the game, and insisted it was not a serious issue.

 “This had nothing to do with a fierce rivalry, I don’t know what you make that,” said Klopp, when asked about the history between the clubs. “What is a fierce rival? Where do you see that? This situation after the game has nothing to do with a historic rivalry. I don’t think Darwin Nunez knows anything about that. 

“I am not sure I am the one who should explain it, to be honest because I was not involved, surprisingly,” he added. “I love them both so I tried to calm the situation down without knowing 100 percent what was going on because I didn’t understand a word.

"That’s it and I think it’s already sorted. It’s emotional; Pep wants to win and we want to win. Both didn’t win and these things happen.”

Guardiola offered a similar account in his post-match press conference. “Nothing happened,” said the Catalan. “He [Klopp] is stronger than me. Nothing happened. I was not frustrated, I am really pleased.”

The result sees City retain top spot and Liverpool stay in second place. The draw also means Arsenal could move top with a victory on Saturday evening over Brentford.