Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp explains Chris Hughton spat

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained the “misunderstanding” with Brighton boss Chris Hughton after Saturday’s 5-1 win.

The rival bosses were involved in a heated exchange at full-time at The Amex over the weekend with the Brighton boss visually upset at the actions of the German.

But Klopp played down the incident on Tuesday.

“It was a misunderstanding, nothing else,” said Klopp ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League tie with Spartak Moscow.

“I have to apologise, not for doing something wrong on purpose.

“I wanted to shake Chris’ hand and Mo Salah came across, I gave him a hug, and Chris wasn’t too happy.

“It was not on purpose and after the game I wanted to see him and I hope everything is fine.”

Speaking about Wednesday’s crunch clash with Spartak Moscow, Klopp said: “It is the game. I don’t want to make it very big but it is.

“We are only part of the Champions League but we want to go to the next round.

“There have been good and bad things that have happened so far. If we win, we are through.

“A lot of people before the game will be thinking we should be through but that is not life.

“It is about the moment. I am really looking forward to it. We are both stronger than our last game against each other.”

Klopp, who needs a draw against the Russians to reach the knockout stage, was asked about whether there could be a repeat of the collapse against Sevilla which saw the Reds go 3-0 up only to draw 3-3.

“There is no reason to think about that,” added Klopp.

“I said in Seville, if we would have been 3-0 up at Anfield, it wouldn’t have happened. The atmosphere can and should help us tomorrow.

“We all know how special this place can be and that is what I am looking for.

“It is a little cold and everybody needs to move to keep warm.

“Having a game like this, there are no guarantees, if you don’t give your all you get nothing.”