Eddie Howe predicts Liverpool 'flashpoints' against Newcastle and comments on Jurgen Klopp rivalry

Eddie Howe has downplayed suggestions the rivalry between Newcastle United and Liverpool has intensified since his appointment as manager of the north east club in November 2021.

Tensions boiled over during the Reds' last-gap home win over the Magpies in August of last year, Fabio Carvalho firing home a 98th-minute winner to spark an emotional reaction inside Anfield. Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg was fined £7,000 by the Football Association after gesturing towards the opposition bench, meanwhile Newcastle coach Daniel Hodges was handed a similar punishment after seemingly throwing a water bottle.

Relations between the two clubs have since seemingly become strained after Jurgen Klopp implied there was "no ceiling" to the Magpies' Saudi-backed spending, something Howe publicly dismissed when challenged on this claim. Adding further fuel to the fire in recent weeks. Klopp joked new Premier League rules on only one coach being allowed in the technical area would only affect Newcastle.

Despite remarks of this nature being made, the Newcastle boss has maintained there is no bad blood between the clubs as they prepare to face off on Sunday afternoon at St James' Park.

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"The rivalry between Newcastle and Liverpool has always been there historically," said Howe ahead of this weekend's match. "I don’t think it’s ramped up particularly any more than it’s always been. Historically, it’s been a game where everyone would say ‘I want to watch that’. There will be moments and flashpoints because it’s two iconic clubs going against each other.”

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