Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp protests Philippe Coutinho treatment against Leicester City

As Liverpool won the final of the Premier League Asia trophy, Klopp argued with Madley during the first half after Coutinho received some tough tackles.

The referee threatened to send Klopp off unless he calmed down his histrionics.

Klopp said: "Even in the pre-season and even though it's a Premier League tournament, we should talk about this,"

"I was not too happy about two decisions around Phil Coutinho, 100%.

"He (Madley) told me that if I behave like I behaved today then I would have to go in the stands. I said: 'If I behave like today then I go in the stand, no problem. But you have to change how you whistle'.

"That's the only thing. For me, it was a clear foul, 100%. It's dangerous. We had a similar situation at Wigan."

Klopp complained there was little he could do to improve the situation:

"What can I do? Write a letter? 'By the way, that's a foul so next time can you whistle?'

"It's a difficult game to whistle for refs, I know all this. But these things are obvious for me and that's why I thought it would be nice if he could help the players a little bit more.

"These players make the difference and these players bring people into the stadium. That's why we have to look after them a little bit."

Coutinho has been linked with a move away to Barcelona, which may increase the pressure on Klopp to protect his star player.

And the Brazilian responded in impressive fashion, setting up Mohamed Salah for his side's first goal before scoring Liverpool's second as the Merseyside club notched up a second Hong Kong win in four days, beating the 2016 Premier League champions 2-1.

"That's not for you," said Klopp when asked for the details of his conversation with the 25-year-old.

"Of course we have spoken. We were seven days pretty much all the time together and we found a moment when we could speak.

"Everybody knows Philippe Coutinho is a key player for us. I know he feels completely more than fine, comfortable in Liverpool. He loves the club, he loves the city. All of that is clear.

"But that he's able to play tonight in a very difficult moment in the pre-season, and after all the sessions, it's good to see and it shows his big potential."