Thursday provided plenty of Liverpool news as the manager finally discovered his punishment for his post-Tottenham comments about officials last month. Jurgen Klopp has been given a two-game suspension, along with a £75,000 fine, for his post-match comments following Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last month. It means he will be absent from the touchline for the final home game of the season against Aston Villa this weekend, with the second game of the ban suspended until the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The full transcript of Klopp’s conversation with referee Paul Tierney has since been made available to the public in what was the latest in a series of altercations between the pair. Klopp later apologised for his behaviour on the sidelines in a letter expressing his regret for the manner in which the situation unfolded. He accepted that a yellow card was correct and acknowledged that his words were inappropriate. He also clarified that he was trying to express how he felt whilst dealing with the frustration he was feeling around a number of decisions made during the game.
Aston Villa’s visit will be the second occasion Klopp has been forced to watch on away from the dugout having received similar punishment ahead of the victory over Southampton back in November. The manager will be allowed to come onto the field of play after the final whistle as he bids an Anfield farewell to at least four of his senior players who will depart the club on free transfers this summer.
Trent’s contract & Henderson’s “challenge”
Klopp attempted to keep James Milner at the club in a coaching capacity prior to the midfielder’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
Aston Villa build-up
Liverpool will wear their new home kit for the first time during the final home match of the season this weekend. Andy Robertson has expressed his ‘happiness’ with the new role he has undertaken since Liverpool’s slight system switch. “Discussions” are said to be ongoing over a potential new deal for Adrian after fans noticed the goalkeeper was omitted from the club’s triple departure announcement.
What else has been going on?
Man City are taking action against the charges for alleged financial breaches due to the involvement of an Arsenal supporting barrister, they couldn’t possibly be guilty of any wrongdoing (The Times). The FA will block any attempts from Ivan Toney to “get around” his eight-month football ban by moving overseas (BBC).
Video of the day and match of the night
Check out this heart-warming clip with Milner ahead of his Anfield farewell this weekend as he speaks to lifelong Red Fran Murt, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. [embedded content][embedded content] There is a great choice of football both domestically and in Europe this evening, but from a Liverpool perspective, there is only one game to tune into. Brighton travel to Newcastle for a 7.30pm (BST) kickoff on Sky Sports Main Event, with any dropped points from the hosts potentially leaving the top four door open for the Reds heading into the weekend. Come on you Seagulls!
LFC reveal new training capsule collection
Liverpool FC recently unveiled their new 1970s inspired kit for next season, which is available to purchase from the official online LFC Store here. Alongside the home kit is the new training capsule collection, which is out today. Standout pieces include a classic LFC x Nike branded club crew sweatshirt in bright Liverpool red and home Anthem Jacket as seen on Jürgen Klopp above. See the full new Liverpool FC training capsule range and order here.