Roy Keane refused to criticize Jurgen Klopp’s style but admitted one moment during the German’s tenure left him “sitting at home gnashing his teeth”.
The Manchester United legend reflected on the Liverpool manager’s nine years at the club ahead of his final two games at Anfield.
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Keane compared Klopp’s management style to that of Sir Alex Ferguson, but revealed an early moment of his reign left him cringing.
Just two months after arriving in English football, a late equalizer from Divock Origi earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom.
In an infamous moment after full-time, Klopp forced his players to join hands and parade past the home fans in front of the Kop.
This gesture, intended to rally supporters, was widely ridiculed by its rivals, with Liverpool then in ninth place.
Keane told Sky Sports: “(That game against) West Brom, they drew and he applauded them all and held hands at the end.
“I was at home grimacing, what is this guy doing?
“But he knew what he was doing. He’s a smart cookie.”
Klopp quickly abandoned the team gesture but later became known for his famous hugs which he regularly gives to his players.
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Keane claimed he never wanted to receive hugs from Ferguson during his playing days, but refused to criticize Klopp for them.
“At the end of the season, if you win something (I’ll have one), he said. “I wouldn’t criticize him.
“Everyone is different and that’s his personality. That’s what he brought to the football club. I wouldn’t criticize that, far from it.
“I think if you win something at the end of the season, of course, hugs to everyone, but week in, week out… That’s his management style and it’s obviously worked for him.”
“Maybe not too much (Ferguson hugs) but I didn’t want it,” Keane continued.
“We were there to do a job and win trophies and that’s this manager’s style.
“Things have changed. We now see most managers on the pitch every week. Times are changing.”
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Keane was at Anfield for Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham with Klopp in the dugout for just three more games.
The Reds have seen their hopes of winning the Premier League in their final season dashed in recent weeks.
However, Keane shared his immense respect for what Klopp has achieved in English football.
Keane said: “Huge respect for what he has done with the club, from his personality to his style of football. They are back at the highest level. They have had disappointments like every other football club.
“The way they have collapsed in recent weeks is probably hard for a lot of fans to take. Everton’s performance and result, the European games, the row with (Mohamed) Salah – a bit of a bitter taste.
“If you step back and look at the bigger picture regarding the manager and what he’s doing, it’s unbelievable.”
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