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Jurgen Klopp explains why he didn’t shake Pulis’ hand

Britain Soccer Premier League

Liverpool’s manager Juergen Klopp, second left, celebrates with his players after their 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

AP

Jurgen Klopp is animated, passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Liverpool’s manager also appears to be a man of principle, as he didn’t shake the hand of West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis on Sunday following their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

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Divock Origi scored a 96th minute equalizer which sent Klopp wild on the sidelines and following the game he grabbed the hands of his players (see picture, above) and led them to the Kop, as they waved in unison to huge cheers. All that was a little strange given the fact that Liverpool had just rescued a late point at home to West Brom... but given a horrific looking late injury to Dejan Lovren following Craig Gardner’s studs up challenge and plenty of physical play from the Baggies, it seemed to mean a lot to Klopp.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Klopp was asked why he didn’t shake Pulis’ hand.

“I didn’t see him after the game. I can say nothing,” Klopp said. “We had some words in the game; sometimes it takes more than a few seconds to cool down. If you want to make a big story, then please. Sometimes it is like this. Usually I shake hands; I did not today because it was not a friendly game.”

He’s right, despite zero yellow cards handed out, it was a game full of sneaky fouls between two committed teams. For most of the second half you could hear Pulis, courtesy of his thick Welsh accent, booming out orders to his side from the touchline and every time the camera panned to Klopp he seemed to be gesticulating and trying to fire up the crowd and his players.

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The passion of the PL was on show in this encounter, and although Klopp and Pulis are unlikely to exchange Christmas cards this year, it appears there is no big fallout between the duo despite choosing not to embrace after the game.

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