Gabby Agbonlahor believes Jurgen Klopp’s touchline absence is why Liverpool drew to Aston Villa

Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Liverpool’s disappointing draw against Aston Villa is down to Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds continue to chase a top four finish, but their hopes were dealt a blow as they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

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Klopp was absent from the dugout for their penultimate game of the season due to a two-game touchline suspension.

His ban comes after he suggested that referee Paul Tierney, who officiated their 4-3 win against Tottenham, had an agenda against them.

As a result, talkSPORT host and ex-Villa striker Agbonlahor feels that Klopp is to blame for Saturday’s result.

Speaking on the GameDay Phone-In, he said: “Liverpool lacked intensity, they lacked creativity for at the least the first 70 minutes.

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“That comes from Klopp, can’t keep his mouth shut. Gets a ban, he’s in the stands, he’s not on the sideline. Them players don’t put in that performance if Klopp is on that sideline, he wouldn’t allow it.”

Jamie O’Hara then questioned him on the theory, to which Agbonlahor replied: “100 per cent.

“I played in games when the manager is not on the sideline and players feel like, ‘OK, the gaffer is not going to be screaming at me.’

“You know when you’re on the side of the manager, on the side of the pitch, you do.”

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O’Hara also revealed his belief the result was down to the quality of Villa, but his co-host responded: “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.”

Liverpool’s afternoon could have been a whole lot worse as Jacob Ramsey’s goal had Villa leading for most of the game.

However, the Reds were saved when Roberto Firmino scored an 89th minute equaliser in his final match at Anfield.

Liverpool are fifth in the table and three points off top four ahead of their final game of the season against Southampton.

Newcastle and Manchester United only need to pick up a point in their remaining two matches to secure their place in the Champions League.