Report: Jurgen Klopp 'Incensed' Zeljko Buvac Kept Arsenal Approach a Secret

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was reportedly "incensed" to learn longtime assistant Zeljko Buvac kept an approach from Arsenal from him, leading to a bust-up between the two and what could be a permanent split.

According to the Sunday Mirror's John Richardson, Buvac is unlikely to return to Anfield, bringing an end to a long and fruitful partnership. 

Liverpool have denied the speculation, blaming his absence from the club on a "private" matter, per Richardson.

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According to the report, former Borussia Dortmund colleague and current Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat contacted Buvac to sound him out about the Arsenal managerial position. Klopp learned about that offer through Dortmund contacts.

The two have worked together for almost two decades, and Buvac has seemingly always enjoyed a life in the shadows. The charismatic Klopp works well in front of the camera, and his assistant has always focused on the tactical side of things.

German reporters and Bundesliga followers found it hard to believe when speculation emerged he could be in line to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal:

His absence from Anfield remains troubling, however. The initial reports surfaced just days before the Reds' UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against AS Roma, the team's most important match of the season up until that point. The club is now preparing for an even bigger challenge, facing defending champions Real Madrid in the final.

Because of Buvac's private nature and the club's focus on Real, we likely won't know whether he will return until the Reds put out a statement in the summer or the Bosnian is sighted in training.