Jurgen Klopp hits out at talkSport’s Gabby Agbonlahor: ‘Sam wasn’t a mental monster’

Jurgen Klopp has launched a stunning attack on talkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, claiming he almost called the radio station to protest his criticism of Manchester United.

The former Aston Villa forward was blunt in his assessment of United’s performance in their 4-0 defeat to Brentford last Saturday, describing them as a “disintegration” and that manager Erik ten Hag should consider “just packing up”.

Klopp, whose Liverpool face United next Monday, hit back at Agbonlahor’s comments and said he could not accuse others of not having the mentality.

“It wasn’t a good week for United after Brentford,” said Klopp. “We forget how good Brentford are. I watched the first half and then drove home and listened to TalkSport radio.

“Gabby Agbonlahor – he lost to us 6-0 [with Villa] in my first year and I couldn’t remember him as a mental monster on the pitch but what he said about United on that show. I was close to calling and telling him you completely forgot you were an actor.

“It was incredible [what he was saying] and if the ex-players are going like this, you can imagine where everything else is going.”

Klopp insists United’s humiliation last season counts for nothing as the arch-rivals prepare to meet again.

Liverpool won 5-0 at Old Trafford and 4-0 at home last term, but a new season and a new manager at The Hague present a different challenge on Monday night for all of United’s current woes.

“When we had two results last year, I already knew it wasn’t going to help for next year,” said Klopp, who confirmed that striker Roberto Firmino will be ready to start in the absence of the suspended Darwin Nunez, and that defender Joe Gomez fit.

“I couldn’t be less interested in the results from last year – different games, different situations. It just helps United to be more motivated if possible.

“Of course I’d rather play them after they win 5-0, but it’s not a dreamland, that’s right. We’ve also drawn twice, so is it better to play us? I don’t know.

“We have to deal with all situations. The whole world will be watching, let’s see how these heavyweights handle the situation.”