Mark Clattenburg has hit back at Jurgen Klopp and maintained that the Liverpool boss knows all too well what he's doing when it comes to mind games.
The German has denied that he involves himself in psychological warfare, be that with referees or other managers.
Clattenburg cited his recent comments about Manchester United's penalty record as a subtle attempt to influence proceedings.
Klopp denied such tactics, but the former Premier League official has highlighted his actions before games.
The German can often be seen starring at opposition teams as they warm-up.
And Clattenburg has even revealed he has been in Klopp's eye line insisting the Reds boss is "more like Sir Alex than he realises".
He wrote in the Daily Mail : “Jurgen Klopp says he does not have the skills for mind games
“So that will be the same Klopp who stands and stares at the opposition warming up before the game?
“He knows what he's doing, he's incredibly smart, it's why he's one of the best managers we've had in the Premier League.
“Klopp once tried to stare me out before a match. That's fine, he has a presence and an aura that he uses for the benefit of his team.
“I remarked how not since Sir Alex Ferguson had we seen such blatant mind games. Klopp denies this and said: 'I am not Sir Alex'.
“But then why did he mention United's penalties so specifically? I don't know if he was accusing United's players of diving or if he was suggesting they got favourable decisions. Only he knows his motivation.
“I also think he is getting prickly because of Liverpool's recent form. I've seen it before with him, he's not a good loser. Ferguson wasn't, either.
"They are more alike than he perhaps realises.”
