Manager risks touchline ban for Liverpool farewell party

Jurgen Klopp has promised to be on his best behaviour in his penultimate Premier League game to avoid being banished from being centrestage at his Anfield farewell party.

Klopp is one yellow card from a touchline ban, which would mean he would have to watch his final match as Liverpool manager against Wolves from the directors’ box. It means he must tread carefully during his side’s trip to Aston Villa on Monday.

“I will try absolutely everything to try not to get involved in any kind of discussions,” Klopp said.

“I know that already for a long time [he was one more card from a ban]. When did I get the second yellow? By the way, we could turn it around and say I ‘only’ got two yellow cards. Some of my colleagues got suspended, right? Hmm. I got calmer over the years, obviously.”

Klopp’s previous yellow cards

were awarded when Liverpool visited Luton Town in November and hosted Burnley in February.

With the Premier League title beyond Liverpool, the focus on Klopp’s goodbye has gone up a notch in the past few days. Liverpool have announced a gala evening to thank him for his services to the club, although he seemed nonplussed by the idea.

“I had a lot of ‘Evenings with Jurgen Klopp’,” he laughed.

“It’s neither my idea, nor am I involved in any organisation. I don’t even think I can even organise tickets. It’s fine. I’ve no clue what will happen that night. I said whatever people ask me to do from that perspective, then I will do it.”