"I'm starstruck" - Derby manager on what Jurgen Klopp said to him after EFL Cup tie

Derby manager Paul Warne has spoken about what Jurgen Klopp said to him after last night's EFL Cup game. 

Yesterday, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side were taken all the way to penalties by League One side Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Fortunately, thanks to Caoimhin Kelleher, the Reds progressed to the next round which is set to be played straight after the World Cup.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Derby manager Paul Warne described what it was like meeting Klopp.

"He's gone straight to the top of my favourite Premier League managers. I'm a little bit starstruck. Why wouldn't you be? It's Jurgen Klopp.

"Firstly, what a guy. I couldn't stop looking at his teeth - they are amazing. Also, he is massive. I was thinking, 'I hope my wife and daughter aren't watching this because they will say look at little dad'.

"He was really nice and was asking me about how it is managing Derby and the difference with my previous club. He was saying about Germany when he left for Dortmund and how it was different for many different reasons.

"He asked what I was finding difficult and I'm saying 'they are not my group yet' - I know they are, but I still want them to press and be athletic and he said that takes time. It was a good chat.

"He also said come in for a drink after. In the Premier League the European managers don't really do that, but he read about Pep [Guardiola] not inviting us and he kindly said come in."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Even though yesterday's game against Derby was very frustrating to watch from a Liverpool perspective, mainly down to their goalkeeper, Warne came to Anfield with a plan and executed it perfectly, something Jurgen will respect.

Yes, it was the youth side but the German had to bring on first-teamers like Harvey Elliott, Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez and Warne's side still held strong.

Losing on penalties always hurts but the Derby manager can be proud of his team's performance, something I'm sure Klopp would've told him.