Jurgen Klopp consistently provides entertainment on the sidelines during Liverpool matches, and Sunday’s encounter against Newcastle United was no exception.
The charismatic German manager had quite an eventful afternoon as his team clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory, courtesy of a late Darwin Nunez performance, even though Liverpool played more than an hour of the game with only 10 players on the field.
Klopp’s initial significant role in the match was to intervene and calm down Virgil van Dijk after the newly appointed club captain received a contentious red card for a challenge on Alexander Isak.
The Dutch defender was visibly frustrated with the decision and expressed his discontent to the officials.
Klopp stepped in to defuse the situation, ensuring that Van Dijk left the field promptly to avoid further complications.
A photo emerged during the match showing Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall signaling to Klopp to keep quiet in the aftermath of the red card.
However, as the game unfolded, it was Klopp who had the last laugh. Despite Anthony Gordon taking advantage of a Trent Alexander-Arnold error to put Newcastle in the lead and Virgil van Dijk’s subsequent dismissal, the situation seemed dire for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s reactions to Darwin Nunez double goes viral
Despite numerous missed opportunities by the home team and an outstanding save by Alisson Becker to deny Miguel Almiron, Liverpool managed to stay in the game and remain in contention for a comeback as the match progressed.
After a failed interception by Sven Botman, Darwin Nunez capitalized, breaking through the defense and slotting a low shot into the net, aided by Nick Pope’s post.
A video has emerged showing Klopp’s reaction to the goal. Initially, he celebrated calmly before sharing an intense embrace with Andy Robertson and passionately communicating with his team, urging them to maintain their composure.
Amidst the excitement, the 56-year-old manager appeared to exude a sense of calmness within the entire stadium as his Uruguayan forward surged forward for the second time, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Mohamed Salah.
With a composed demeanor, Klopp observed as Nunez once again outwitted Pope, finding the same corner of the net to send the exuberant Liverpool fans into a frenzy.
Klopp’s immediate reaction was turning towards the bench, engaging in a chest bump with a member of his coaching staff.
He then joined in the celebrations with Harvey Elliott, who played a pivotal role in regaining possession leading up to the goal, along with some of the substitutes.
A reassuring pat on the back was offered to Luis Diaz, who had been substituted early in the game to accommodate a defensive change after Van Dijk’s red card.
Notably, Klopp cast glances towards the Newcastle dugout after each of the goals, likely a response to Jason Tindall’s earlier actions, which were still fresh in his mind.
Jurgen Klopp reaction to those Darwin Nunez goals ✊pic.twitter.com/PJUFaVJgAA
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) August 28, 2023
Jurgen Klopp’s changes won Liverpool the game
Fans are often quick to question tactical decisions made by the long-serving manager, but his tweaks after the red card were impeccable. With the aim to be difficult to break down in order to keep in the game until late on, the 4-4-1 formation did this effectively, and the introduction of Nunez alongside Elliott and Diogo Jota added an increased attacking ability towards the final stages.
Credit has to be given to Klopp for his performance on this day, with his in-game management being brilliant.