Gabby Agbonlahor BLAMED Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool’s lackluster display in their draw with Aston Villa… as he claimed the Reds boss’ touchline ban for ‘not keeping his mouth shut’ cost his team their race for the top four.
Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor once again fell out with Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa on Saturday to all but end their hopes of finishing in the top four.
Liverpool had won seven matches in a row before the clash at Anfield, but knew they needed a win to keep the pressure on Newcastle and Manchester United.
Their cause was not helped by Klopp serving a touchline ban after being charged with misconduct following comments he made about referee Paul Tierney’s performance in his side’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last month .
Liverpool struggled to break down Villa, and despite a late Roberto Firmino equalizer in his last appearance at Anfield, they couldn’t find a winner, leaving Newcastle and United needing just a point from their last two matches to ensure they will finish. Agbonlahor feels Klopp’s absence in the technical area played a big role in Liverpool’s below-par display.
‘Liverpool lacked intensity, they lacked creativity at least in the first 70 minutes. That’s from Klopp, he can’t stop his mouth,’ Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
Gabby Agbonlahor has blamed Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool’s performance against Aston Villa
Klopp was unable to influence matters from the dugout as he served a touchline ban
Liverpool are now set to finish outside the top four, and Agbonlahor feels the side missed their manager in a must-win game on Saturday
‘Has got a ban, he’s in the stands, he’s not on the sideline. The players don’t put in that performance if Klopp is on that sideline, he won’t allow it.
‘Of course, Villa is outstanding. But, that was not a normal Liverpool performance. When you need your manager in such a big game on the sidelines, he’s not there because he can’t keep his mouth shut.’
Agbonlahor’s rant comes after a season in which he regularly slammed Klopp and his team following a disappointing campaign for the Reds.
The pair’s unexpected spat began when Klopp disagreed with Agbonlahor’s criticism of United and Erik ten Hag after the Red Devils were beaten 4-0 by Brentford in August.
Klopp was not happy with Agbonlahor’s ‘unbelievable’ criticism, and admitted he was about to call talkSPORT to confront the former striker over his comments.
He also questioned Agbonlahor’s own mentality when he was a player and part of the Villa side that were beaten 6-0 at Anfield in 2016 on their way to relegation that season.
Agbonlahor clearly did not take kindly to Klopp calling him out, and continued to put Liverpool through the season.
With the Reds almost certain to play in the Europa League next term, Agbonlahor also predicted that Klopp could be sacked if they start the 2023-24 season poorly.
‘It’s a bad time for Liverpool,’ added Agbonlahor.
‘If they start the season badly next season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jurgen Klopp gets the sack.’
News/Image Sources: Daily Mail
