Pep Guardiola has defended Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool manager’s controversial Merseyside derby celebrations.
Klopp has been roundly criticised for his reaction to Divock Origi’s 96th-minute winner against Everton after running onto the pitch to embrace goalkeeper Allison before the final whistle had been blown.
The German later apologised and Guardiola admitted he could understand his Anfield counterpart’s loss of control.
Guardiola was criticised himself for celebrating wildly after Manchester City’s late win against Southampton last season, which saw him manhandle Nathan Redmond after the final whistle.
The City manager said: “I did it against Southampton - there’s a lot of emotions in those moments.
“I know when I did it I was not happy to have done it, so I can understand Marco (Silva), (former Southampton manager Mauricio) Pellegrino when it happens. But sometimes it is what it is, an emotional game. Everything happens in your heart, body, mind. I talk for myself - you have to be respectful for the other ones.
“When you win you are a huge personality, when you lose it’s a lack of respect. When you lose you lose, you are a bad guy and when you win everything is acceptable.
“We live in a world where everyone judges the winners.”
Origi’s goal saw Liverpool keep the pressure on City by closing the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points.
He said afterwards: “I have to apologise for how I reacted. I did immediately afterwards to Marco Silva. I didn’t want to be disrespectful, but I couldn’t stop myself.”
