Jurgen Klopp’s respect for Rafa Benitez spotted during Liverpool’s thrashing of Everton

In pictures: Everton v Liverpool

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp got his own back against Everton following last season’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield with a 4-1 demolition of their local rivals at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. But despite the strong showing, the German boss displayed his respect for ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez after footage showed him celebrating in a subdued manner in front of the Spaniard.

Goals from Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson either side of Mohamed Salah double consigned Everton to eight games without a win in the Premier League.

A Demarai Gray consolation did little to help the Toffees’ cause even at 2-1 in a lacklustre performance.

The defeat leaves the Blues fourteenth in the league table, just five points ahead of the drop zone – with 18th-placed Burnley having a game in hand to close the gap to just two points.

Benitez, who was appointed over the summer, has come under immense pressure in recent times for producing not only poor results, but dull performances, too.

JUST IN: Saul makes Tuchel look foolish despite Chelsea’s Watford win

And in something of an act of solidarity, Klopp went to celebrate Henderson’s opener in front of the under-fire boss after just nine minutes on the clock – but decided to refrain at the last moment out of respect for his counterpart.

Benitez, 61, managed Liverpool from 2004-2010 and won a Champions League and an FA Cup along the way.

He has cemented hero status at Anfield, especially after his dramatic victory in the famous Champions League final against AC Milan back in 2005.

Fans of the club may love him even more so at the moment for his poor management of their rivals.

DON’T MISS…
Saul makes Tuchel look foolish despite Chelsea’s Watford win
Southampton vs Leicester suspended due to medical emergency
Chelsea star Alonso’s actions in helping fan who had heart attack

But Klopp still managed to show respect after rising to celebrate the opener, before realising Benitez’s connection with the Reds and turning away to avoid conflict.

The result leaves Liverpool in third place, but keeps them well within the Premier League title race alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.

And Klopp praised the performance of his players for a truly professional outing.

“It was by far the best performance we’ve done at Goodison,” Klopp told BBC Match of the Day.

“Later on I will enjoy watching it because I know the result, that helps it.

“I had moments tonight that I enjoyed a lot. I liked what I saw.”

The Reds take on Wolves on Saturday in a bid to pile even more pressure on Chelsea.

Source: Read Full Article