Jurgen Klopp was upset by Newcastle United’s decision to poach Liverpool analyst Mark Leyland after their takeover in 2021.
Newcastle and Liverpool are set to face each other this weekend in what is a huge clash in the Premier League’s top four race. Looking ahead to the game, The Telegraph have taken a deep dive into the steadily souring relations between the two clubs.
Part of that, it’s claimed, was the Magpies’ decision to take Leyland away from Anfield in 2021. Leyland worked as part of Eddie Howe’s staff at Burnley and was reportedly keen to link up with the manager again. As a result, he left for St James’ Park in December 2021.
Liverpool obviously didn’t stand in the analyst’s way at the time. However, Klopp is said to have been ‘annoyed’ with the poaching.
Liverpool given chance for top-four redemption
Truthfully, it feels a little bit of a stretch to call Liverpool and Newcastle’s relationship ‘toxic’ as The Telegraph have done.
Most of the animosity seems to stem from the fact that the Reds had the temerity to beat Howe’s side earlier this season. Remarkably, that remains Newcastle’s only defeat in the Premier League all season.
And yet, some of the Toon’s players, and plenty of the fans, still have a bee in their bonnet about the way it came about.
Seemingly oblivious to their own time wasting, they were surprised that a little over the allocated injury time was played.
From a Liverpool point of view, they got their just desserts. The ball had barely been in play by the time Fabio Carvalho smashed home the winner last August. Newcastle don’t seem to see it that way, but they’re wrong.
From then on, the two team’s seasons have gone opposite ways. Howe and his team have been defensively exceptional as they make a push for a Champions League spot. Liverpool on the other hand have slipped into mid-table.
Tomorrow’s game gives the Reds the chance to rectify that a little. A win would see them move six points behind Newcastle with a game in hand. That’s very much recoverable. Lose though, and the 12-point gap will probably start to look beyond them.
Given Klopp’s apparent feelings towards Newcastle, three points would be especially sweet. Put things right on the pitch, Reds!