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Jurgen Klopp has revealed how he once donned a Father Christmas mask in order to enjoy a night out unhindered – but still ended up making headlines.

The Liverpool boss was talking about the scrutiny players and managers are subjected to in the modern era after photographs surfaced of Wayne Rooney drinking into the early hours when he was on international duty last weekend.

Klopp recalled how when he was in charge of German club Mainz, who were struggling at the time, he was convinced to head into the city for a few drinks during the winter break.

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“I had a story with myself when we had 11 points and we were last in the Bundesliga table,” Klopp said.

“We had a Christmas break and friends of ours wanted to have a party in the city.

“Nobody saw me because I had a mask. It was Santa Claus.

“I didn’t feel too good, but I needed a little bit of help and I went out. I did it.

“Then at the end there was one point when you are a little bit drunk, so I lifted the mask and then the next thing there is a picture.

“The next day (German newspaper) Bild said: ‘That’s how Klopp celebrates being 18th’. It is not actually like I celebrated but it was the picture. This happens and you go on.”

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Rooney “unreservedly” apologised to interim England manager Gareth Southgate after pictures emerged of him looking worse for wear.

Klopp insists the issue was overblown and says he has no concerns about the professionalism of anyone in his Liverpool squad.

There is no alcohol ban in place but many of the Reds are teetotal. Those who do drink occasionally know it will only be tolerated in moderation and that they will be hit in the pocket if they step out of line.

“If they ask me six times a week ‘can we go out, can we go out?’, I’d say seven times no,” Klopp said.

“By the way they didn’t ask but if they did we would say no.

“We all know a few of them are doing it. Not going out but maybe having a party at home. They are young and sometimes if they don’t celebrate now it would be silly.

“I’ve not sympathy with it but when something happens, if it happens once then fine him, take his money and do something good with it for the team, for the kitman or whoever.

“If then he thinks about the next drink then think ‘really?’. I never had these problems actually but it can happen.

“It is not that serious. Talk to the person, talk to the guy and convince him about the way to go. It is not really big but make it as big as you want.”