Jurgen Klopp admits he would have had "so many arguments" had he managed in the same era as Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary Scot wasn't shy when it came to clashing with other managers on the touchline, and frequently verbally scrapped with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - who was his nearest rival for the title for a long period.
Klopp has also had his fair share of arguments over the years, such is the pressure of managing a club at the highest level. The German was asked to comment on Ferguson's praise of him ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea, which happened to be the 55-year-old's 1000th as a boss.
He responded on Viaplay: "Myself and Sir Alex Ferguson never played against each other - we would have had so many arguments! He really respects what we are doing and I respect what he did - it's nice when people say things like he said, of course."
Ahead of the contest, which finished 0-0 at Anfield, Ferguson had said of Klopp: "I'm delighted to welcome Jurgen Klopp to the LMA 1000 club. Jurgen is undoubtedly one of the most gifted managers in world football and the dedication and passion, that Jurgen brings to the role is inspiring to anyone aspiring to a career in football management.
"The many trophies he has already won in his career, including in recent seasons the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, confirm his status amongst football's elite."
Liverpool and Manchester United share one of the biggest rivalries in football and despite Klopp pointing out the pair would have no doubt clashed had their managing careers crossed paths, the duo have the utmost respect for each other.
In 2020, shortly after Liverpool won their first Premier League title, Ferguson sent a text of congratulations to Klopp.
The Reds boss explained that he disturbed the Scot with his late-night response, saying: "The problem was that I came back late in my room that night and I couldn't sleep immediately so I went through the messages I got and one of them was from Alex Ferguson.
"I just replied in a very polite way I think. It was about 3.30am-4am and I didn't expect him to have his phone next to his bed. I didn't want to wake him up. If that happened then sorry Alex.
"But since then we have not been in contact. He is still the former Man United manager and I don't think he wants to talk to me too much about the success of Liverpool. He respects it but it's not his favourite thing to watch on television."
