London, December 17

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was branded “a bit of an idiot” by West Bromwich Albion winger James McClean in comments reported by the BBC on Thursday. Klopp was involved in several fiery exchanges with opposition manager Tony Pulis during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at West Brom on Sunday and the pair did not shake hands at the final whistle.

The German also raced down the pitch to celebrate Liverpool’s stoppage-time equaliser and was confronted by a member of West Brom’s coaching staff. “I’ve got respect for the man because he’s done a great job at (Borussia) Dortmund, but I think he’s a bit of an idiot if I’m being honest,” Republic of Ireland winger McClean, 26, told BBC West Midlands. Klopp made a strong start to his time at Anfield, losing only one of his first 11 games, but Liverpool are currently on a run of three games without victory in all competitions.