Jurgen Klopp has to pull Darwin Nunez away from spiky Pep Guardiola exchange

25 November 2023 , 14:32

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Darwin Nunez and Pep Guardiola clashed after Saturday afternoon's game (Image: Sky Sports)

Darwin Nunez and Pep Guardiola came to blows after the 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool on Saturday.

The row started after the full-time whistle was blown at the Etihad. Jurgen Klopp needed to pull Nunez away from Guardiola after something was said. It's unclear exactly what triggered the tense exchange between the City boss and the Uruguay international.

"I think Jurgen Klopp has done Pep Guardiola a favour there," former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live after watching the row unfold. "I think that is frustration from Guardiola and fundamentally Liverpool are very happy with a point here."

City were on the verge of winning the game, which Nunez started, after Erling Haaland scored midway through the first half. Yet the European champions were stunned when Trent Alexander-Arnold found the bottom corner of Ederson's net late on.

More details about the row between Nunez and Guardiola are expected to emerge throughout Saturday. Guardiola was all smiles when he approached Nunez to shake his hand. Yet the atmosphere turned sour when something was said between the pair.

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Nunez started pointing at the Spaniard, as Klopp pulled him away from the scene. Several coaches and players got involved before Nunez walked away. "There are some apparently unpleasant words being exchanged," said Peter Drury on commentary.

"Darwin Nunez involved in a spiky exchange with Pep Guardiola. They needed separation. Pep Guardiola seeking to rationalise that conversation."

Klopp needed to push Nunez away from Guardiola (Getty Images)

What did you make of the row between Darwin Nunez and Pep Guardiola? Let us know in the comments below!

Nunez didn't seem too upset by the row, as he made his way towards the Liverpool fans to applaud their support. The former Benfica striker pointed at the Liverpool badge on his chest, smiled and nodded his head towards his team's fans.

Klopp insisted he was happy with a point after Saturday's game. He said: "If we had played really well, we could have won. This is a really tough place to come and it is a not a coincidence they have won I don't know how many in a row at home (23 in the league).

"They are a super team. When we had our football moments, we immediately created (chances). Did we do that often enough? No. Can we play better? Definitely. And we will. But for today, this was a super important experience for the group.

"It has been a tough week for the boys and then coming here to play a game against a team that really makes you suffer is not cool. It is difficult to stay in the game, but we had our moments and I like that a lot. It is a good point and I am absolutely fine with it."

Tom Blow