Newcastle United assistant boss Jason Tindall has lifted the lid on his bust-ups with Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery.
The high-profile clashes have inspired an Adidas advert, in which Tindall shushes a train inspector, and also led to a major FA probe after a 22-man brawl in the tunnel at St James’ Park. Tindall certainly has his own way of riling opponents but insists he is just doing his job.
Tindall told the Daily Telegraph: “I respect all managers, I know how tough the job is. Jurgen Klopp is one of the best managers around and I have a huge amount of respect for him.
“What happens on the touchline, nothing is personal, if I fall out with anyone, it’s just in the heat of battle. I’m defending my corner and my corner is Newcastle United. How I do that, maybe sometimes it crosses the line with what I say, but it’s not meant to be disrespectful.
“Sometimes I upset people and if it upsets people, I can’t do anything about that. My only thought process is I’m Newcastle United and I will do anything to win. I’m there for Eddie and the players, that is it, that’s all that matters.”
Tindall’s relationship with Emery boiled over during the Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa at St James’ Park. It led to Tindall being sent off and sparked a mass brawl in the tunnel.
Tindall said: “Unai is a top manager and you can’t knock what he has achieved in his career and he is doing an incredible job at Aston Villa. If he decides not to shake my hand, I’m not in control of that. I left my hand there and you know, that is what I will always do. If someone refuses to shake it, that is down to them and has nothing to do with me.
“We’ve had disagreements on the touchline, a couple of times, in the tunnel, if they want to take offence at me, that is up to them. I’ve got no problem with that.”
