Klopp and Lopetegui in fiery touchline clash before Liverpool coach intervenes
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was involved in a tense touchline argument with Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui during the two sides’ showdown in the Midlands.
The clubs clashed in an FA Cup third-round replay at Molineux on Tuesday night after the previous meeting between them ended in a controversial 2-2 draw at Anfield. It appears that the contentious nature of the fixture on Merseyside left a sour taste in the mouths of both coaching teams.
During the first half of the replay, Klopp and Lopetegui were seen remonstrating with each other and getting very animated after an alleged foul by youngster Stefan Bajcetic went unpunished. Klopp was left furious by suggestions from his opposite number that the midfielder should have been booked.
The fourth official was forced to get between the pair in a bid to restore calm, but that only served to make things even more tense. Liverpool assistant boss Peter Krawietz then got involved as the arguments between the two dugouts continued.
It was not the first time that the two benches had got slightly animated during their two FA Cup meetings this campaign. Lopetegui - appointed as Wolves boss two months ago - was left furious after his side were denied a winning goal on Merseyside.
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Toti flicked home in the closing stages only to see his strike ruled out for a contentious offside decision. After the match, Klopp suggested that he sympathised with his Spaniard counterpart and his side.
Julen Lopetegui and Jurgen Klopp were involved in a touchline argument at Molineux (Getty Images)Who was your man of the match in Liverpool's FA Cup win over Wolves? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The German said: “I’m not sure about their third goal. We have one picture where it may look offside, but I can understand why they are angry about it. We don’t want the VAR to just have one angle.”
After the controversy at Anfield, the visiting Reds went on to have the last laugh. Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott was on hand to give his side the lead with a stunning strike in the first half at Molineux.
The Reds kept hold of their slender advantage throughout the evening and with it sealed the progression to the fourth round of the FA Cup. They will take on Brighton at the Amex Stadium next weekend.
The fixture will be one where Liverpool want to make a point, having been dismantled 3-0 on their last trip to the Seagulls. Klopp was forced to apologise to the travelling Liverpool faithful following a woeful performance from his side.
Meanwhile, Wolves fell at the first hurdle in the competition and will be forced to focus on their battle to stay in the Premier League under Lopetegui. The Midlands side sit 16th, just two points above the drop zone, ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.
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