The fact that Jurgen Klopp admitted he tried to calm the “outraged” Brighton manager while running the risk of getting sent off shows how much he recognizes in Roberto De Zerbi.
Brighton and Liverpool drew 2-2 on Sunday, resulting from a number of questionable decisions at both ends.
For the Reds, that included Pascal Gross potentially receiving a red card for bringing down Dominik Szoboszlai to earn a penalty in the first half, while Brighton had their own appeal for a penalty turned down.
Brighton players and their manager pleaded with referee Anthony Taylor to award a penalty after the ball bounced off Virgil van Dijk’s leg and onto his arm.
De Zerbi protested vehemently on the sidelines, but Taylor dismissed the incident, and eventually he was given a yellow card.
For a manager who was dismissed twice last season, it could have been worse. During his post-game press conference, Klopp was questioned about his interaction with De Zerbi.
“We talked about a mix of everything after the game,” he stated.
“I must admit, I am in awe of what he is accomplishing. Sincerely, I strongly endorse it.
“I adore football, and if someone like him enters the scene, the influence he has on football should not be understated.
“When he started to become a little enraged, I attempted to use my experience to calm him down.
“I had no idea what they were talking about; I had just seen, and if I were in this situation now, there would be no use in returning. I believe he came pretty darn close.
I attempted to make him feel better. You can inquire if he required it or not, but I’m not sure.
