Koeman is ready to match Klopp’s touchline antics

EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that Jurgen Klopp’s touchline antics made him respond with a wild celebration of his own when they last met in the Premier League.

Koeman, who will face Klopp again in his first Merseyside derby tomorrow night, was in charge of Southampton when they beat Liverpool 3-2 in March, having been 2-0 down at half-time.

‘He (Klopp) was celebrating his goals like a really happy manager. Jumping and jumping. After we scored our third goal, I ran to the corner even though it was my first time back after Achilles surgery and I was still a little bit afraid of what might happen,’ smiled Koeman.

‘I don’t normally do that. I am normally quiet. My Achilles is OK now. If we score the winning goal, then I will run again.’

Koeman insists he does not mind the hyperactive approach taken by contemporaries like Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and Klopp as long as it is respectful but says he will not change his own more studious style.

‘Maybe he (Klopp) looks more passionate but if you are so passionate, then sometimes you lose a lot of things in your function as a manager,’ said Koeman.

‘I am myself, I do what I think I need to and nothing different. Everyone has his own character, I have no problem provided there is respect. Everybody can celebrate how they want to.’

Everton have won only one of the last 19 Merseyside derbies and Koeman will ask Goodison legend Duncan Ferguson, now on the coaching staff, for advice on how to beat their rivals.

Even so, the Dutchman’s record as a player with Barcelona and Holland means he does not go into any game with an inferiority complex.

‘I don’t feel like an underdog. Derby matches don’t depend on past results between the teams or positions in the table,’ continued the Dutchman.

‘We are still unbeaten at home and it’s not easy to beat Everton even when we aren’t at our top level.

‘We have played Spurs, Manchester United and Arsenal at home and haven’t lost. That is good for our confidence. It will be difficult for Liverpool.

‘Of course, a derby game is different but don’t be nervous, play your game and control your emotions.’

While Klopp is unlikely to have any Merseysiders in Liverpool’s starting XI, Koeman could turn to Leighton Baines and Ross Barkley for local knowhow.