Sean Dyche has defended his tunnel bust-up with Jurgen Klopp during Burnley’s 1-0 win over Liverpool on Thursday evening.
The Premier League champions suffered another huge blow in the title race as Ashley Barnes’ 83rd-minute penalty sealed the victory for Dyche’s side away at Anfield.
The result means that Liverpool have now ended their 68-game unbeaten run at home and Klopp’s side are six points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.
At half-time in the defeat to Burnley, Klopp and Dyche were seen sharing a heated exchange in the tunnel moments after the referee blew the half-time whistle. But Dyche says he was entitled to ‘fight’ for his side’s interests with the German coach.
‘Just two managers fighting for their side, wanting to win,’ Dyche said when asked about the incident.
‘I’ve got no problem with that, he’s a top class manager at a top class football club and you are allowed to say your piece and fight for your side if you feel it’s appropriate, which I did. ‘That’s it for me, it’s a moment in time. End of.’
Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, remained adamant that he did not start the half time bust-up with the Burnley manager.
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‘If he’s not talking about it, I will not talk about it,’ said the Liverpool manager. ‘I didn’t start it but it’s nothing, all good.’
Liverpool are now on a 438-minute scoreless run in the Premier League and after the disappointing 1-0 loss to relegation-scrapping Burnley on Thursday.
“It’s not that we don’t create the chances because players don’t have the ability,” Klopp added. “Our decision making is the problem. The difference between a good football player and a very good football player is decision making.”
