Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp denies Manchester City comments were xenophobic - 'I would hate myself'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he would «hate» himself if remarks he made about Manchester City's spending power were rooted in xenophobia. Klopp said before the match that “nobody can compete with City”, seemingly in reference to the financial wealth of their Abu Dhadi-based owners. Ad Media reports quoting City sources said the club’s hierarchy viewed the remarks as ‘borderline xenophobic’.

Premier League'Everyone has to be careful with their comments' — Howe hits back at Klopp14 HOURS AGO But Klopp, speaking ahead of Liverpool’s midweek meeting with West Ham, said the claims were not true. «In this specific case, I don't feel hit at all,» said the Liverpool manager. «I know myself and you cannot hit me with something that is miles away from my personality.

»If I would be like this, I actually can't remember the word [xenophobic], I would hate myself for being like this. «A lot of times I say things that are open for misunderstanding, I know it, but it's not intentional. Sometimes you say things and then later you realise 'oh my God! that could be understood [differently]' but this is not one of those times.

It was not. »Obviously, not all of you journalists see it the same way. Some chief writers see it differently.

It's an open world, obviously, and we can have different views. That is how it is, so nothing else to say." Howe hits back at Klopp's Newcastle comments Klopp charged with improper conduct after City win The Athletic and the Telegraph have reported that Klopp is taking legal action over the claims. Liverpool beat Manchester City in a heated game that saw Klopp sent off, coins allegedly thrown at City boss Pep Guardiola, ‘vile’ chants from the away end, and the City bus targeted by Liverpool fans.