"He had a bite!" - Agbonlahor makes feelings clear about departing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after 'mentality monster' dig
Former Aston Villa talisman Gabby Agbonlaho has called Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp a 'legend', despite the German tactician's infamous 'mentality monster' jibe at him in the summer of 2022.
The 56-year-old is set to leave the Anfield club at the end of the season, leaving behind a lasting legacy he created during his nine-year tenure. While the nine years were filled with wholesome moments, Klopp also tended to clap back at pundits over their criticism of players and clubs.
One such instance occurred in 2022 when Agbonlaho criticized Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following his club's 0-4 mauling at the hands of Brentford.
Klopp was one of the first to hit back at the former striker. Here's what he said (via Metro):
"He lost against us 6-0 in my first year, so I couldn't remember him as a mentality monster on the pitch then. But what he said about Man Utd in that show, I was close to calling in and telling him: 'You forgot completely that you were a player'. And if ex-players go already like this, you can imagine how everything else is going. You have to ask yourself how you want to react in a situation like this."
The 37-year-old stopped short of hitting back at the Liverpool manager and chose to take the high road. He was all praises for the former Borussia Dortmund boss for his achievements while at Anfield
Here's what he said (via Mirror):
"He had a bite! But he's a legend of the Premier League, he is a legend. I was watching something yesterday about him and what he's done for that football club against that Manchester City side, outstanding. Winning the Champions League as well and what he's done for a lot of people in Liverpool, their fanbase. He's a legend, isn't he? And he will be missed."
The Reds will take on Wolves in their final match of the season on May 19, Sunday.
Liverpool to end Klopp's last season with the Carabao Cup
The Premier League title is the latest in the line of trophies Liverpool lost their shot at this season.
They were first knocked out by Manchester United in the FA Cup. Subsequently, they lost 1-3 on aggregate to Atalanta in the Europa League. The Premier League title, once a three-horse race, now has two teams leading the charge as Liverpool dropped out following consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton.
The Reds managed a convincing win against Tottenham Hotspur, but a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa ensured that they were mathematically out of the Premier League race.
However, Klopp's men did manage to win the Carabao Cup and won't be giving a sendoff to one of their most successful managers without silverware.