Nearly 30 years after their friendship began as team-mates at Mainz, Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner faced each other on the touchline for the first time as Liverpool met Huddersfield.
And it was Klopp who came out on top as three second-half goals earned Liverpool a 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Here, we puts the focus on the managers.
Sometimes managers and players are keen to play down personal connections but Wagner and Klopp’s best friends status is unequivocal and both were happy to talk about the importance of the relationship.
Klopp revealed he was in tears when Huddersfield secured promotion to the Premier League and the pair shared a warm embrace on the touchline prior to kick-off.
The technical areas are some way apart at Anfield so Klopp and Wagner were at a distance from each other during the match. For much of the first half both stood with arms folded as the Terriers frustrated their hosts.
Klopp said in the build-up he had spoken plenty of choice words to Wagner during their playing days but there were no flash points here that brought the two men together.
Klopp and Wagner seek each other out at the end of the game
Liverpool’s comfortable lead meant Klopp could see out the game from his seat on the bench while Wagner continued to encourage his side from the technical area. At the final whistle, the two friends quickly sought each other out.
They were out of tune as Wagner went in for a hug while Klopp opted for a pat on the back but he rectified the situation with a hug and a kiss before showing more love to the Anfield crowd.
Provided by Press Association Sport
