The reason 'why Jurgen Klopp didn't do his trademark fist-pump celebration' after Liverpool destroyed Man United

Liverpool's 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of Jurgen Klopp's managerial career but at full-time, the German coach didn't perform his usual celebration.

United came into the game in good form after knocking Barcelona out of the Europa League and winning the Carabao Cup to end a six-year trophy drought.

By their high standards Liverpool have endured a disappointing campaign but Klopp's side turned the form book on its head by inflicting a humiliating defeat on their fiercest rivals.

Not only was the result significant because of the occasion but it also boosted Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Securing Champions League qualification after the season they've had would be a remarkable outcome, so Klopp was well within his rights to revel in the moments following the full-time whistle on Sunday.

The manager and his players walked over to the Kop to applaud the supporters but, despite encouragement from the crowd, he refused to perform his usual fist-pump celebration.

Pundits Richard Keys and Andy Gray picked up on that during beIN SPORTS' coverage of the match and concluded that Klopp made his decision out of respect.

"Is that respect?" Keys asked, before Gray replied, "Yes, 100 per cent."

Keys then asked whether it's ever disrespectful for Klopp to celebrate victories in such an exuberant manner but former Liverpool midfielder McAteer didn't think so.

Jürgen Klopp refuses to do his trademark celebration in front of the Kop out of respect to Manchester United. #beINPL #LIVMUN 🔴👹 pic.twitter.com/szY5qt3RTx

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 5, 2023

"No, it's just him being in the stadium and staying in touch with the fans," he said.

In the past, Klopp has drawn criticism from pundits and managers for disrespectful behaviour on the touchline but it seems perfectly reasonable for him to celebrate a significant victory with his team's supporters.

On this occasion though, he decided that celebrating publicly might rub too much salt into United's wounds, which was completely fair enough.