Jurgen Klopp thanks travelling fans on final away game as Liverpool manager

Liverpool's outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the 'absolutely insane' travelling fans after his final away game in charge as the team fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Monday evening. Klopp had his name chanted on the away end throughout the match, and after the final whistle, he saluted the support in an emotional exchange.

Liverpool were denied a victory when Villa substitute Jhon Duran scored twice in the final five minutes of normal time. The Reds had taken the lead with an Emiliano Martinez own goal, a Cody Gakpo strike, and Jarell Quansah’s first Premier League goal. The visitors were without the injured Andy Robertson, but Klopp provided an encouraging update on the left-back’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s season finale at home against Wolves.

"I know it's the last time, it just doesn't feel (like) it," Klopp told reporters. "The away fans were always absolutely insane. What they did, where they were, we asked them to travel a lot over the years. It is a wonderful relationship."

After Liverpool lifted the League Cup in February, they seemed poised to challenge for the title. However, their hopes were dashed following a series of poor results last month. On looking back at his season, the German manager said finishing third was still something to be proud of. "From where we came from (third place) is a statement as well," he added.

"For me, the story of the season is that the boys have really, really good character and a sensational attitude – that's why we were here today and that's why we have now 79 points. "I am not over the moon about it but obviously for a week or two we've had to accept we cannot be the best or the second-best team in the league, (but) that's a good basis for the future and that's all you can ask for."

Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, which will be Klopp's last game at home at Anfield.