Bruce insists his dug-out dust-up days are all done

STEVE BRUCE has assured Jurgen Klopp his touchline fighting days are over.

Frank Lampard was caught on video swearing at Klopp and telling him to “f**k off” during Chelsea’s game at Anfield last week.

But the Newcastle boss – who has tipped Liverpool to dominate the Premier League for years – quipped that he would be too “frightened of getting beaten up” to provoke his own dug-out dust-up.

Bruce said: “I’m too old to take them on like that.

“In my younger days I’d have taken on anyone. It is part and parcel of it and shows that bit of hunger and passion.

“I am frightened of getting beaten up!”

Bruce was part of a Manchester United side who dominated the league and cups for a decade.

But he reckons Klopp’s squad have “slaughtered” their rivals this season.

Asked if Klopp’s squad could also create a winning dynasty,

Bruce (right) said: “They are young enough to do it.

“They are such an exciting team with youth on their side.

“The longevity thing will now be a focus. They were unlucky last season.

“A total dominance of the Premier League is a very difficult thing to do, as we have witnessed.

“But let’s be fair, they have slaughtered the Premier League this season.

“To be over 20 points ahead at times is quite remarkable when you consider the standard of the teams in there.

“So they have got a remarkable chance because of the age of their team, how driven the manager is, an outstanding chance.

“But it is very difficult to get total dominance of this league.”

Bruce admits his Newcastle players are now “totally knackered” after what he called a “long-haul season.”

But he also hopes Liverpool’s title celebrations will take a toll adding:

“Maybe they have been partied for three night and a few are worse for wear?”

But Bruce claims Klopp has a “huge bond” with his players. He added: “You take your hat off to him. “He has been a breath of fresh air.

“His is box office, as good as you can get and in a different way to most. “We all thought they’d win it this season.

“They are young and the additions of Alisson and Virgil Van Dijk moved them on to another level.”

SIMON BIRD