Jurgen Klopp's Charismatic German shtick has given way in recent weeks. A January which has seen just one win in nine games - and that a replay win away to Plymouth which preceded the 2-1 defeat to Wolves - has seen Klopp more agitated than he has been at any stage in his Liverpool career.
He spent much of tonight's 1-1 draw with Chelsea gesticulating angrily at referee Mark Clattenburg, saving the angriest reaction for his awarding of a late penalty to Diego Costa, a decision with which he emphatically disagreed.
Simon Mignolet bailed Liverpool out by guessing correctly and keeping out Costa's penalty, meaning he has now saved six of the fourteen penalties he has faced as Liverpool's 'keeper.
When it was saved, Klopp got in the fourth official's face, and it was all pretty unpleasant.
Here's the moment:
Jurgen Klopp Fourth Official
Really unpleasant from Klopp at the fourth official. #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/KTKGZzN3hg
— Laurie Hanna (@LaurieHanna) January 31, 2017
Klopp explained it afterward, and the fourth official came across as a man with a remarkable level of patience.
Klopp says he said to the fourth official (after the pen) "nobody can beat us".
"I said sorry, he said 'I like your passion'"— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 31, 2017
It is behaviour reminiscent of his infamous snarl at a fourth official in the Champions League against Napoli:
https://youtu.be/Lcjijx0ywxo
Klopp was criticised online for his behaviour:
Mourinho and Wenger get punished for behaviour on sidelines but Klopp seems to get away with it every week and you hardly read/hear anything
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) January 31, 2017
Klopp’s behaviour towards the 4th official was particularly unsavoury this evening.
— Dominic Trigg (@DomTrigg) January 31, 2017
Klopp would really benefit from yoga. Or a straitjacket. Either, really.
— gmoney⁷ (@strangetimes87) January 31, 2017
Klopp didn't direct his anger solely at officials, however. During the first-half, he turned towards the stands betraying anger in the first-half:
Klopp angry with fans behind him after there are murmurs when Wijnaldum opts not to pass forward.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 31, 2017
He explained this moment, too:
Klopp on problems with fans during game. "It was only one, actually. Blue jacket!"
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 31, 2017
