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Diego Costa rarely got a sniff on goal against Liverpool at Anfield, and to make matters worse, he even missed a penalty kick. But his physical presence was enough to leave a good impression on Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp admits Costa deserves respect for his physical approach to the game, while also revealing he has been key to Chelsea’s good form this season, and that he wouldn’t have been friends with the Brazilian during his playing days.

“If I had played against Diego Costa I could never be friends [with him], that is how it is,” said Klopp.

“But, on the other side, the biggest respect we can say is when you have him in your team it is much more fun.

“He is a warrior. What 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.

“If someone tells me it was a dive maybe I will be angry Wednesday but that would be wrong decision what, number 27? But it does not make it better.”