'Tell me to shut up': Former Liverpool star explains why he used to ‘clash’ with Jurgen Klopp
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James Milner played an important role in the success Liverpool enjoyed under Jurgen Klopp, though the two club icons still butted heads on occasion.Milner arrived at Anfield from Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer of 2015, just months prior to Klopp becoming manager.During their near eight-year spell together at Liverpool, the midfielder has now explained that he and the German coach used to ‘clash’ at times amid their desires to win so much. Discuss: Arne Slot could win Liverpool fans back if he keeps showing passion on the touchline There was much more energy vs Galatasaray, could that change things?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine James Milner explains clashes with Jurgen Klopp amid desire to winMilner helped Liverpool secure their first-ever Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League the year prior.But his desire for success meant that he and Klopp would clash on occasion, as he has now explained this week when speaking to Football Daily.He said: “Yeah, now and then [Milner would have clashes with Klopp], not many, not many, but it was a clash that, you know, he knew I wanted to win and he was the same and we didn’t have any big clashes, you know, he’d maybe tell me to shut up at times and things like that, but he knew I just wanted to help him and frustrated him whatever way and things like that and he was always done with respect, obviously.“The times you’d come in at half time and you’d expect a rocket and he was the opposite, he was really soft and other times you’d be on fire and playing really well and he’d come in and go mad over one little thing just to keep on his toes and you know, 99% of the time he got it bang on, didn’t he?“So yeah, I think as an all-round manager, I think he was high level and when he came in at Liverpool, we weren’t by any means the favourite in the Premier League to win anything so what he built there was special.” CHANGE MY MIND: Liverpool are still the best team in Europe on their day After watching all of the other quarter-finalists, the Reds have nobody to fear in the Champions League 🏆 Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images James Milner’s record against LiverpoolMilner could now face off with his former side this Saturday in the meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex.It is unlikely the 40-year-old will start the fixture, but he may come on late in the tie.Prior to the weekend, Milner has taken on Liverpool a total of 25 times throughout his storied career.However, he has won just five of those matches, drawing five and losing the remaining 15 games.Milner has scored one and assisted three in said matches, a tally fans will be hoping does not increase on March 21.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox