10 February 2023 , 15:16
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Sean Dyche has joked that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp "didn’t like my coat" ahead of an infamous clash between the pair as the new Everton boss gears up for his first Merseyside Derby.
The former Burnley boss was involved in a fiery argument with the German during a showdown between Liverpool and the Clarets back in 2021. During the half-time break, Dyche walked past Klopp in the tunnel before the pair furiously exchanged words.
Speaking immediately after the incident, Dyche was tight-lipped on the showdown. He said: “We come to these places, we are allowed to fight, we are allowed to try and win.
“That’s all it was. It’s just two managers fighting for their teams, wanting to win a game. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Meanwhile, Klopp also did not divulge any specifics over why he was so angry at his opposite number. The German added: “If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it. But I didn’t start it. But it’s not nothing. All good.”
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Now as Dyche prepares to take his side to Anfield for his first Merseyside Derby since being named as Frank Lampard’s replacement at Everton, he has finally opened up on the incident nearly two years on. Whilst he was keen to play down the disagreement, he joked that Klopp was not exactly on board with his fashion sense.
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Speaking in a press conference ahead of Monday’s key clash, he said: "It's just two managers playing against each other's teams. There was nothing in that.
“I think fans want to see two managers for their teams standing up and after the game for me it's done. He didn't like my coat but I told him John McGinn got there first!"
He added: "My feelings and focus is on Everton Football Club - to make sure we're right and not worry about anyone else.”
Everton will certainly be aiming to continue Dyche's bright start as Toffees boss after he led them to victory against Arsenal in his first match in the dugout. They now take on a Liverpool team that are woefully out of form.
Klopp’s side have not won since New Year and were on the end of a 3-0 thumping at the hands of struggling Wolves last time out. Dyche has admitted he has no sympathy for the Reds heading into the match on Merseyside.
He added: "There's no sympathy only empathy. He certainly doesn't need my sympathy. My focus is solely on Everton."
Dyche’s side could potentially get themselves out of the relegation zone with a victory against their fierce rivals and could even rise up to 15th should results go their way over the weekend. That would also see the gap between the two Merseyside outfits reduced to just eight points.