JüRGEN KLOPP RECALLS 'LITTLE ARGUMENT' IN DRESSING ROOM THAT SPARKED LIVERPOOL TITLE HEROICS

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp cast his mind back to one of the most seminal moments in his tenure as Reds manager as he recalled a 'little moment' in the dressing room at Villa Park that sparked a famous revival.

The German coach is set to depart Anfield at the close of the campaign after nine storied campaigns in the hotseat, having won a clean sweep of major honors during his reign. With Aston Villa the opponents in his penultimate game in charge, he could not resist having a brief look back at a moment on the road that catapulted his team's title bid during their triumphant 2019-20 campaign.

Following a sobering first half during that clash in November 2019, it had appeared that the Reds' charge had run aground as they fell behind to an opener from Trézéguet after 21 minutes. However, two late strikes from Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Sadio Mané saw the visitors turn things around in dramatic circumstances.

Given the threat of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to the Reds' charge that year, these goals represented a major moment in the team's eventual successful bid for a first Premier League title in 30 years. Looking back on a win that provided a springboard for success, Klopp has now given a rare insight into the events that sparked the team's recovery that night.

Speaking during his press conference before his final trip to Villa Park as Liverpool boss, he remembered: "The really special game when we won 2-1. We had a little situation in the dressing room. We could calm it down and turn the game around. We turned around two really special goals. We really wanted it. A very important one.

"Little argument between two players. But you will not get the names from me! A little situation," he continued, in a major revelation in relation to this often-recalled moment in the club's recent history. Paying tribute to his players from that evening in 2019, he added: "This group of players is really special. Things can happen when you work together. It's normal, it worked out."

Liverpool faces Aston Villa knowing its own fate is already secure for next season in terms of qualification for the Champions League. Completing the major objective of returning to Europe's elite continental competition represents success for Klopp and his new-look team, with the Reds had to settle for a berth in the Europa League last term.

Their opponents are very much in a similar situation that faced the Merseysiders during the previous campaign too, with Emery's team looking to secure a place in the top four in the final two games of the season.

Speaking in glowing terms about the Vila team he will face this time around, he said: "I saw them play last night, travel back today. Villa's last home game of the season. They want a good last home game after a good season. Pretty much in the Champions League. Unai is doing a good job."

As for Klopp's own situation ahead of the trip, he is also all to aware that he will need to be on his best behaviour to avoid a suspension for his final Liverpool game versus Wolves at Anfield next week. He laughed: "I've known for a long time. I only got two yellow cards! I've got calmer over the years. I don't need to be on the touchline but it would be cool. I will try absolutely everything not to be involved in conversations!"

2024-05-10T10:25:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd