Newcastle coach Howe has no grudge against Liverpool boss Klopp ahead of crunch league clash

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe spoke of his “respect” for his Liverpool counterpart, Jurgen Klopp, ahead of The Reds’ visit to St James’ Park on Saturday.

The Liverpool boss has stoked the rivalry between the sides with some inflammatory comments about the ownership of the Magpies by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and the money spent at the club.

The last time the sides met was early in the season, when the Magpies suffered their only defeat of the league campaign so far. It was a controversial, ill-tempered match after which United were booed off the pitch by the Anfield faithful.

Howe, though, does not hold any grudges. In fact, he said he wants to take Klopp out for a drink.

“I remember that night, I remember that reaction,” he said. “I don’t think that’s been uncommon for us this year. I don’t read too much into that really, the reaction we get from other teams or supporters… sometimes the more negative reaction you get, the better you’re doing. I’d probably encourage that more.

“I wouldn’t say we owe Liverpool one; we owe ourselves to do the best we can in this game, and do everything in our power to try and win the match. I’m reluctant to use Liverpool as motivation for us; we shouldn’t need that. It should come from ourselves, our league position and our needs and wants to have a successful season.”

On going toe-to-toe with Klopp again and Liverpool’s disappointing season so far, Howe said: “It’s the life of a manager, really. People have very, very short memories. What he’s done has been incredible. How his team has played over a consistent time is unrivaled, so to me he’s one of the very best of all-time in the Premier League.

“All times have difficult moments, that’s the reality