Danny Murphy believes Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s touchline antics could have a detrimental impact on Liverpool and Manchester City’s seasons.
During Sunday’s Premier League match, the drama was centred on the two managers. A thrilling encounter saw the Reds win 1-0.
After the dust settled at Anfield’s high-octane match, both bosses have been scrutinized.
Guardiola made his feelings public after seeing Phil Foden’s second half effort disallowed followed a foul from Erling Haaland on Fabinho in the build-up to the goal, an incident that ultimately proved costly for City.
Klopp was also losing his cool and shouting in the ear the linesman after Mohamed Salah’s arrest by Bernardo Silva. Leading the German head coach to be dismissed for his outburst.
While Klopp apologised for his actions after the match, Liverpool legend Murphy believes that both managers will have a detrimental impact on their sides of they continue their behaviour, saying that ‘they should know better’.
Talking on Kick-Off on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “I think that they’re both consistent with their elaborate behaviour, let’s say.
“I think it’s genuine which is very important, I don’t think it’s done for effect or intimidation purposes. I think it’s just who they are.
“But, and this is my preference as a footballer looking over to the touchline and seeing my manager on the touchline, as soon as they start losing it and being that way by being overly animated, I don’t think that it helps players.
“I think that it causes more chaos than it does calmness and I believe that those two should know a bit better by now.
“I don’t mind seeing passion, but you’re out of the box and your in the linesman’s face. Klopp apologized and that was a right thing to do. Pep can be just as emotional and outlandish sometimes.
“I just think that they’ve got to a point where they should know a bit better.”
Murphy added: “I think that there’s different aspects to it. Fans like a manager to show passion and anger and frustration and all of the emotions that they feel because it makes them feel connected, I get that because I’ve been a fan.
“I also get that when a manager doesn’t do it you think it’s because he doesn’t care, which isn’t the case either.
“I’m just giving a footballer’s perspective and I think that the majority of intelligent bright footballers and see something going on and most of them, nearly all of them, will think ‘get a grip, gaffer. Here we go again’.
“Honestly, they do because it’s just a side-show to what you’re trying to do on the pitch.
“A manager sets an example on the pitch.
“I don’t want to see Pep or Klopp lose their passion, that’s not what I’m saying, but I think that there are moments where they could rein themselves in.”
