Jurgen Klopp and James Milner almost fought in the dressing room after Liverpool drew 2-2 at Sunderland four years ago.

Ex-Reds’ defender Ragnar Klavan revealed the flare-up and claimed manager Klopp “would have gone all the way to prove his point” had vice-skipper Milner not backed off.

At the Stadium of Light in January 2017 Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe twice levelled with penalties after Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane netted, with Milner having been hauled off at half-time.

Klavan, now with home-country side Paide Linnameeskond, told Estonia’s Betsafe Eesti Podcast: “The biggest pressure was around Christmas and at the beginning of January.

“One time, I don’t remember who we played against. Maybe it was against Sunderland away.

“Klopp and James Milner almost started a physical fight…. but eventually Milner stepped back.”