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Klopp will serve a one-game touchline ban in Liverpool’s game with Aston Villa on Saturday; Klopp admitted some of his colleagues expected him to be banned for more fun; the German will watch from the stands but is allowed to be in contact with his bench. The German manager was handed the ban for Saturday’s game with Aston after saying Tierney “has something against us” in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last month. Klopp also received a further one-game touchline ban suspended until the end of next season on the condition that he does not re-offend.
The Liverpool boss had already served a touchline ban this season in November when he watched from the stands against Southampton after receiving a red card against Man City.
Responding to his latest suspension, Klopp said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Aston Villa game. He said: “I expected a punishment with all the things we know and could hear. “I would like to know, as always, where the (OK) money goes. If it’s for a good cause then I’m more than happy to pay it; if not, (and) the FA keeps it then we have to talk again and I think it’s a bit harsh. “But apart from that, people around me were pretty negative. They thought it would be longer!
“It’s one game, it’s like the Southampton game, it will be the same process. I can watch the game from a better position and be in contact with my coaches.”
Klopp will watch the Aston game from the stands and be in contact with the bench via a phone with Vitor Matos, one of his backroom staff.
However, the Liverpool manager joked his voice can still reach his players from a faraway distance if they don’t track back.
Asked what the differences are between managing from the touchline and the stands, Klopp replied: “Nobody will shout like me if they don’t track back in the 70th minute and this kind of thing. I sit far away but if the game is not good, I could make it happen. My voice is alright at least.”
Speaking more seriously, Klopp then said: “Not a lot. I’m really in contact with Vito, he will have to phone with the headset.
“We can talk about everything, substitutions this kind of thing. [Assistant manager] Pep [Ljinders] is an incredible coach and he will be out there.
“I have said from a watching point of view, it’s a much better position. In the Southampton game, it was super helpful. I will sit next to our analysts, they get a bit of support from me.”
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