Gabriel Agbonlahor has blamed Jurgen Klopp for Liverpool's poor performance in '70 minutes' of their draw with Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool boss Klopp watched the 1-1 draw with Unai Emery's side from the Main Stand after receiving a two-game touchline ban - one of which is suspended - for his comments toward referee Paul Tierney.
The Reds struggled as Villa took the lead in the first half through Jacob Ramsey. But the departing Roberto Firmino came off the bench to equalise in the 89th minute.
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With Manchester United and Newcastle United both registering wins, Liverpool's challenge for the top four is more or less over and a place in the Europa League for next season is what they have earned.
Former Villa striker Abgonlahor, who has taken swipes at the Reds boss in the past, told TalkSPORT: "Liverpool lacked intensity, they lacked creativity for at the least the first 70 minutes. That comes from Klopp, can’t keep his mouth shut.
"Gets a ban, he’s in the stands, he’s not on the sideline. Those players don’t put in that performance if Klopp is on that sideline, he wouldn’t allow it.
“Of course, Villa were outstanding. But, that is not a normal Liverpool performance. When you need your manager in such a big game on the sideline, he’s not there because he can’t keep his mouth shut.”
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