Friday 18 December 2015 17:07, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has moved to defuse tensions between himself and West Bromwich Albion counterpart Tony Pulis.
Klopp refused to shake hands with Pulis after the clubs drew 2-2 at Anfield last Sunday before criticising the Baggies' style of play and describing the match as "not a friendly game".
Pulis hit back with a sarcastic apology on Friday but Klopp has played down suggestions of a rift between the pair.
"I can easily say sorry for everything I said during the game, it wasn't a big problem. After the game I wanted to go to my team," said Klopp.
"I have big respect for Pulis' work. I wanted to go to the players and be with them. What can I say? The coaching zones are closer here. That is the only difference.
"Sometimes you do things in football you wouldn't do in normal life but it wasn't serious. Everything is different in those 98 minutes.
"Their second goal was offside and a foul. Nobody talked about this. It was all about Klopp, Pulis and going to the fans."
The former Borussia Dortmund manager was speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Watford, one of the Premier League's in-form teams having won their last three games,
"It's not a big surprise. They have good players and a good plan," said Klopp. "It's possible to be more successful than people think.
"Watford are playing very well and have good strikers, quick in their minds. But we don't go there to clap our hands for them. You can win anywhere and lose anywhere in the Premier League. That's why it's so exciting for the supporters."
Liverpool, now three games without a win after four straight victories in all competitions, will be without the injured James Milner and Dejan Lovren
"James Milner has a problem with his calf," said Klopp. "It will take a few days. He had a scan. He felt something when he was warming up. I don't know how long Milner will be out but he won't be fit for the weekend.
"Lovren's injury is not that serious. He's much better. We will see if he can train next week. He could be an option for Leicester [on Boxing Day]"
Klopp spared a thought for Jose Mourinho, who was sacked as Chelsea manager on Thursday. "It's a sad situation that such a successful relationship ends like this. I wish Jose all the best," he said.
"It's good to have a bit of rest. He has worked constantly for many years at a high level. Sometimes football is like this."
