I can never be friends with Diego Costa, insists Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea's Diego Costa

London: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he and Diego Costa could "never be friends" after another controversial game by the Chelsea striker.

The Spain international won a penalty, subsequently saved by Simon Mignolet at Anfield as the league leaders were held to 1-1 draw.

However, Costa caused Liverpool enough problems for Klopp to acknowledge his qualities. "If I had played against Costa I could never be friends, that's how it is, but when you have him in your team it's much more fun. He is a warrior," said Klopp.

"What (Antonio) Conte is doing with Chelsea is outstanding but Chelsea without Costa this season? He is not the nicest guy on the pitch but I saw no real big incident and until someone tells me something," Klopp said.

The German was furious with the award of a penalty after Costa tangled with Joel Matip and took out his frustration on the fourth official. However, after Mignolet came to Liverpool's rescue the Reds boss calmed down to make an apology to fourth official Neil Swarbrick.