Jurgen Klopp was well-known for his incredible man-management ability throughout his nine years at Liverpool. Keeping his squad of world-class players happy at all times wasn't possible, however.
Even the iconic German had public issues with members of his playing staff. James Milner once argued with Klopp after being withdrawn against West Ham, while Mohamed Salah had an infamous falling out with his old boss in one of his last games, against the Hammers also.
However, the ultimate show of disrespect in football is when a player shuns their own manager's attempt at a handshake. That's exactly what happened to Klopp in a 2021 clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klopp Snubbed By Liverpool Star vs Man Utd
Jurgen Klopp Liverpool vs Dortmund
With no fans in the stands during the global COVID-19 pandemic and the Reds attempting to salvage a Champions League spot from a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, Klopp made a big team selection decision.
He chose to drop Sadio Mane, a key part of his famous front three, in favour of summer signing Diogo Jota. That decision was vindicated when the Portuguese forward equalised for Liverpool on their way to a 4-2 victory.
Liverpool (6) Related
Jurgen Klopp: ‘I Wasn’t Keen on Liverpool Great - But Still Stole Him From Man Utd’
Klopp would later go on to describe the player as a 'Liverpool icon.'
However, Mane was not happy at the end of the match. The Senegalese winger ignored his manager's attempt to shake his hand, instead shaking his head and leaving the German hanging. Watch the awkward moment below.
In his post-match interview, the manager brushed off any suggestion that there was a problem with Mane, telling Sky Sports: "No, no problem. Yesterday I made a late decision in training to decide for Diogo. The boys are used to me explaining things usually but there was actually no time for that and that's all. It's all fine."
Jurgen Klopp's Message to Mane After Handshake Incident
Jurgen Klopp and Sadio Mane
Jurgen Klopp and Sadio Mane
Two men who weren't quite as quick to give Mane a free pass were Graeme Souness and Roy Keane. Both men were no-nonsense players on the pitch, while also enjoying stints in the dugout.
Keane was measured in his view that 'the player is out of order, but he was also critical of Klopp trying to shake his hand in the first place. The ex-Man Utd captain said:
"But when I was a player I didn’t want the manager coming on giving me high fives. If we’d won the league, maybe, but even then I’d be doubtful.
"If he sees the player’s upset, just back away. It’s bad enough your manager, but the opposition manager going round and giving everyone high fives."
His co-pundit, Souness, was more focused on Mane, who he labelled 'disrespectful'. "Disrespectful. If I was the manager I wouldn’t be happy," the Scot said.
Souness concluded: "He should show a bit of respect. It’s disrespectful to the manager and the club. How can he argue? He’s not had a great season and Liverpool have won here 4-2."
Speaking in an interview with Rio Ferdinand years after the event, Mane revealed exactly what Klopp did to diffuse the situation immediately. Explaining the situation, he said:
"One game against Manchester United, I said, 'No, I don't want to shake your hand' and I go away.
"Because in training, I was supposed to start the game and he changed me. When he changed me I went, 'Oh no, I cannot accept this'."
Klopp showed his brilliant man-management skills with one short text the day after. Mane continued: "The next day, he sent me a message, 'Can we be friends again? Come to my office'. I went to his office and we talked and sorted it out."
"It can happen with him [falling out], but the next day he will try everything to settle it," the Liverpool icon concluded.