Zeljko Buvac has claimed that he is the reason behind Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's success

Jurgen Klopp's former long-term ally Zeljko Buvac has claimed that the Liverpool boss's success can be attributed to his role, as the former No 2 revealed he has not congratulated his old friend on the Reds' title success.

Buvac, who was once described as 'The Brain' by Klopp, left Liverpool in April 2018 following a breakdown of a 17-year managerial relationship.

The 56-year-old, now sporting director at Dynamo Moscow, has spoken out on his time working with Klopp.

'I didn't,' the 56-year-old told Nobel. 'I was happy for Liverpool, for the fans, for the player. But I didn't.' 

Klopp's former No 2 explained that he sought to become a sporting director as he had 'been the manager for all those 17 years,' in another pointed jibe at Klopp.

'I did the job of a manager, except speaking in public and giving interviews,' he added. 'Apart from that, I had all the functions and tried to influence my team as much as I could to help them succeed. But I didn't need that kind of attention.

'I don't want to be a manager now. If Barcelona calls me then of course I'll think about it but otherwise no. 

'You say I'm here just to stay occupied and wait for a better chance. But if you knew what kind of offers I had rejected during the pause in my career you wouldn't have said that. But I won't tell you which clubs.'