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What emotional Jurgen Klopp did differently in front of Liverpool away end after late collapse

Not many can overshadow the visit of Hollywood royalty Tom Hanks. But even the famed actor and Aston Villa supporter would understand playing second fiddle to another box-office superstar here.

Jurgen Klopp’s final away game as Liverpool manager was reason enough for the travelling Kop to treat this evening as one of celebration, a warm-up for what is to come at Anfield next weekend.

Only seven minutes had gone when they sounded their intentions, the Reds support breaking into a rendition of their take on The Beatles hit ‘I Feel Fine’ in praise of their imminently departing boss.

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They then worked their way through the Klopp songbook, ranging from a simple chant saluting the German to a more elaborate tune commemorating the Champions League final win in Madrid.

The second half saw the volume pumped up further as Liverpool momentarily took control of the game, the rendition of ‘Allez Allez Allez’ delivered with increasing gusto.

But the action on the field – good fortune ultimately allowing Villa to snatch a 3-3 draw late on – was almost incidental with the Reds fans determined to enjoy their penultimate time with their much-loved manager.

Klopp, meanwhile, had already vowed to stay out of trouble and avoid the yellow card from referee Simon Hooper – one of the many officials with which he has clashed during his tenure – that would see him banned from his own farewell party at home to Wolves on Sunday.

One debatable first-half call from the whistle-blower prompted Klopp to simply cover his face with his cap in despair at what he had just witnessed. Certainly, the Reds boss won’t miss Premier League referees.

Indeed, the chants of “You’re not fit to referee” instead came from the Villa fans who grew frustrated at a series of perceived slights. If there’s a Champions League place for moaning, their fans would have qualified weeks ago.

Come full-time of an entertainingly daft game, Klopp made his way slowly to the away end for the final time, making sure to take in every single moment.

Gazing towards the applauding support, the Liverpool manager put his hand to his heart, delivered several waves, blew a few kisses and then directed one final salute before almost reluctantly disappearing down the tunnel.

This time next week he will no longer be Reds boss. The final farewell has begun.