Man City boss Pep Guardiola holds Van Dijk’s hand and looks longingly at Liverpool defender in post-match chat

PEP GUARDIOLA and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk shared a friendly embrace at the end of their clash on Sunday.

Manchester City and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad which means they remain separated by one point at the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk embraced at the end of Sunday’s 2-2 draw

Guardiola seemed in good spirits after the match, first enthusiastically shaking hands with Jurgen Klopp.

He then interrupted Van Dijk’s post-match interview with Ziggo Sport.

The pair shook hands before the defender patted Guardiola on the shoulder and said: “I’ll speak to him.”

Guardiola seemingly wanted to have a message passed on to someone on the Liverpool team, likely a player or staff.

The Spaniard had a smile on his face throughout and ended the exchange by patting Van Dijk on the back before darting off.

Guardiola has massive respect for the Dutchman despite Van Dijk picking Liverpool over City in 2018 to work with Klopp.

Van Dijk said previously of his decision to move to Anfield: “I had the chance to go to Chelsea and City.

“When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future.

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“But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose for Liverpool.

“Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image?

“I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others.

“I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football.

“Klopp gives you this great feeling. He is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning.

“It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player.”