Joey Barton has apologised to Jurgen Klopp for branding him "a giant German cheerleader" and has admitted he wrong about the Liverpool boss.
The Fleetwood boss went on an explosive rant about Klopp's methods back in 2017, feeling that there was little substance behind his energetic managerial style.
However, since, Klopp has led Liverpool to two Champions League finals, as they lifted the trophy last year, as well as achieving 97 points in the Premier League.
Now, Liverpool sit top of the Premier League ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City knowing a win will take them nine points clear of their nearest rivals.
As a result, Barton, a life-long Everton fan, has backtracked and set the record straight on those comments, completing a full U-turn by comparing the Liverpool boss to former Reds great Bill Shankly .
“I don’t think Liverpool back in the day were anywhere near as strong as they are now with the fans and the belief,” Barton, who played for Manchester City, told talkSPORT.
“I’ve been critical of Jurgen Klopp, I didn’t feel they were learning lessons.
“But I think they are the most improved team and his is the most improved coach in the last three years.
“He has that, I dare say, Shankly feel to him.
“He has lifted the whole city and Liverpool really firmly believe.
“I live in the city and I’m just hoping Everton can get on the coattails and latch onto that energy to improve themselves.”
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