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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Jurgen Klopp refuses Liverpool fans trademark fist pumps despite Man Utd mauling

Jurgen Klopp's fists remained very much unpumped after Liverpool's remarkable 7-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Reds boss applauded the Kop after his team's heroics at Anfield, but he refused to do his trademark three fist pumps. Klopp usually punches the sky in front of the Kop after big wins and it is unclear why he decided against doing so on this occasion.

Klopp teased supporters by spinning his right index finger in their air, which is what he always does before the first pumps. Rather than punch the sky, though, he shook his left index finger to confirm he was not going to do the party trick after Sunday's game.

Klopp's lack of fist pumps may suggest he wants more from the fans and his team before the celebrations can begin. Despite Sunday's victory, Liverpool remain outside of the Premier League's top four and could miss out of Champions League football next term.

The Reds failed to defend their FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles this season, while they are on the verge of being knocked out of Europe. Klopp's side were hammered 5-2 at home by Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie last month.

Yet the win against United has significantly boosted Liverpool's top-four hopes. They are now fifth in the table - just three points behind Tottenham in fourth with a game in hand. Liverpool's goal difference is also eight better than Antonio Conte's side.

Jurgen Klopp teased fans as they pleaded for his trademark fist pumps (Sky Sports)

What did you make of Jurgen Klopp's actions at full-time? Let us know in the comments below!

Another theory as to why Klopp refused to do the fist pumps is because he respects United too much. The German will be aware of just how embarrassing Sunday's defeat is for the Red Devils - as it is Liverpool's biggest ever win against their bitter rivals.

Richard Keys questioned this theory during beIN Sport's coverage of Sunday's game. "Is that respect?" Keys asked pundits Andy Gray and Jason McAteer. They both said yes.

Keys then asked if it was disrespectful for Klopp to do it against other clubs. McAteer replied, "No, it's just [him] staying in touch with the fans and giving them what they want."

Klopp expressed his delight at full-time. He told BBC Sport, "We need results and performances and tonight we got both. The start of the game was super dominant and super flexible.

"A lot of moments in my mind where we were waiting for the right moment. Second half starts like it starts. Two goals, wonderful and from that moment on we were flying. We know the result is a freak but the performance was outstanding and that is what I take.

"A few months ago everyone thought it was a good moment to play Liverpool - you can't say it publicly but everyone thought it - because they felt we were struggling a lot but now it is less of a good moment, we look much more like ourselves. It is important that everyone knows we are here and we are still alive."

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