Jurgen Klopp issues response to touchline ban and fine – ‘I would like to know where the money goes’

Jurgen Klopp gave a prickly response to his two-game touchline ban following his comments regarding referee Paul Tierney in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last month.

Klopp said that Tierney had ‘something against’ Liverpool after the German was shown a yellow card for celebrating his side’s winner in front of the fourth official, claiming that what Tierney said to him was ‘not okay.’

Addressing the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, he said: “I expected a punishment. It is OK; I would like to know where the money goes. If it is a good cause, I’m happy to pay it; if the FA keeps it, we’ll have to talk again.

“People thought it would be longer. One game is OK; I can watch the game from a better position and I will be in contact with my coaches.”

On a brighter note, Klopp paid a glowing tribute to the departing quartet of Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.

“This game will be super difficult for different reasons. We spoke already with the boys; it is super important but also super emotional,” he added.

“We are saying goodbye to, from my point of view, four Liverpool legends. Two of them were here when I arrived, Milly and Bobby, and all the good things that have happened wouldn’t have without them.

“Ox came in, then Naby. Ox was unlucky in moments, bad injuries at bad moments, but he’s a fantastic guy. When people think about Naby, [he’s had] a few too many injuries, but he played and performed well in some important games. We love them but it is professional football; nothing is forever.”

Klopp confirmed that Darwin Nunez would miss Villa’s visit to Anfield on Saturday with a toe injury, in the only fresh injury concern for The Reds.

A victory would keep their top-four hopes alive with Liverpool currently a point behind Manchester United, but Klopp’s side have played a game more than Erik ten Hag’s men.

“I never had hope for that. It is no problem,” he explained.

“I know we have to win our games and maybe then we have a chance, maybe. I watched [Newcastle beat Brighton] but didn’t think when they scored that I was disappointed. That happened once in my life, when Vincent Kompany fired a ball in the goal [for Manchester City against Leicester in 2019]. It is not in our hands; whatever they get, they deserve.”