Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and Huddersfield manager David Wagner go way back, having played together at Mainz in the early 90s and coached together at Borussia Dortmund. Wagner was Klopp’s best man at his wedding (though he didn't do a great job at it).
Now as opposing coaches in the Premier League, they’re maintaining their friendship — to an extent.
The two gave an affable joint postgame interview after Liverpool beat Huddersfield 1-0. In it, Klopp admitted he didn’t get Wagner anything for his 47th birthday, which was Friday — not even a card!
"No cards. No presents."
Ruthless from Jurgen Klopp on the day after his pal David Wagner's birthday!Two opposing managers doing a joint post-match interview pic.twitter.com/T7iDV0DgMd
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 20, 2018
“No cards; no presents,” Klopp said. “Not for the 47th!”
Brutal. Hopefully he at least sent a text and didn't just post on his Facebook page, which is the most insincere thing someone can do on your birthday.
Wagner can take some consolation in his team’s solid performance. The crowd at Jon Smith’s Stadium applauded the home team’s effort despite the 1-0 loss, with Huddersfield actually racking up more shots (13-11) and only being outpossessed 52-48 by the joint Premier League leaders.
Mohamed Salah was the difference, slotting home a goal in the 24th minute to give the Reds the win.
That man Mo Salah! pic.twitter.com/p003aMkC1y
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 20, 2018
Liverpool has 23 points through nine matches, tied with Manchester City after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday. (Can you imagine Sarri and Mourinho doing a joint interview after that game?) City has a superior goal difference at the moment (+23 to +13).