Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seemed to playfully taunt Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall as his team rallied from a 1-0 deficit with 10 players to secure a victory at St James’ Park.
In the 25th minute, Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies a 1-0 advantage, and the situation worsened for Liverpool when Virgil van Dijk received a contentious red card for his tackle on Alexander Isak.
Van Dijk’s challenge, in which he kicked through the Swede to reach the ball, was judged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, resulting in his expulsion.
Nonetheless, Liverpool didn’t succumb to pressure and orchestrated an impressive comeback. Darwin Nunez, introduced as a substitute, magnificently netted two late goals to shift the momentum in favor of Liverpool.
Earlier in the match, Tindall had playfully shushed Klopp during a touchline exchange after an incident involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, who managed to avoid a second yellow card in the first half.
Jurgen Klopp to Jason Tindall after the comeback 🤭 pic.twitter.com/6GPpb5Juu0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 27, 2023
📸 – Jurgen Klopp silencing Jason Tindall. pic.twitter.com/owOHi3nabJ
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) August 27, 2023
A circulated image on social media captured Klopp imitating the same gesture, indicating that the German manager was able to have the final word in the matter.
Nunez, who now dons the No.9 jersey following Roberto Firmino’s transfer to Al Ahli, was named as a substitute for the third consecutive match.
But he made an incredible impact, producing two sublime finishes past Nick Pope to give the Reds a massive away win that moves them up to fourth with seven points.
Prior to the fixture Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had explained pre-match why he is unable to be friends with Klopp despite having “respect” for him.
“I don’t really have a relationship with any manager, I’m competing against them,” he told a press conference.
“I find it very difficult to have personal relationships with competitors. I’ve been the same as a player.
“I was not one to talk to players before a game. I draw a line, and so that is just how I have always been. I respect Jurgen a lot. I think he’s done an incredible job. He’s an unbelievable football manager but I draw the line at friendships because they don’t exist for me.”