JÜRGEN Klopp has been addressing the press today at Melwood, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leicester — with the Reds preparing to play their first match in front of that massive new stand.

It was the traditional sort of stuff for the most part, the latest on injuries, how they will set up and his response to Mario Balotelli’s agent calling him a shit coach — you know, the usual. Oh, and somebody asked him about the Kell Brook v Gennady Golovkin fight. That actually happened.

Klopp Wants To Use Power Of New Stand

One of the big attractions for Klopp, upon being offered the Liverpool job, was the famous Anfield atmosphere. And now he wants to see more.

The Main Stand’s completion means there will be 8,500 more Reds inside Anfield when his side take on Leicester — taking the capacity up to 54,074 — and he hopes that the players can use that power to see off their opponents.

Equally he could use some rocket fuel to fire one up Simon Mignolet’s arse. That might also help us win.

Sakho Needs Time

This could be some almighty back-tracking. Klopp insists the issue with Mamadou Sako is mainly fitness, and that he needs time before he can make a return to action.

Though he didn’t directly say that injuries were the reason the Frenchman was made available for loan, he didn’t seem to suggest it was anything to do with attitude, either — though you’d probably expect that.

Maybe we shouldn’t let Sakho do Go Pro tours around attractions we visit for squad building exercises in future. That might encourage him not to dick about. You reckon?

‘This Is Anfield’ Sign Is Back

A huge slice of Liverpool history has returned today. And I’m not talking about big Sami Hyypia being spotted in the canteen — but while he is here, how about some lessons on defending?

I’m referring to the re-installation of the old ‘This is Anfield’ sign which takes pride of place in the tunnel. You know which one I mean, the one the players touch on their way out.

The sign is supposed to add to the intimidation as the opposition players walk out next to our Red Warriors, to the sound of some shite Premier League anthem playing — which of course completely ruins any intimidation tactics we employ. Ta.

Gerrard Goes All McLaren

Steven Gerrard has been getting grilled as part of a Q and A on LA Galaxy’s YouTube channel. He’s asked about his inspiration, whether he misses Liverpool — sobs — and about the Scouse weather.

He’s also channelled his inner Schteve McLaren, but instead of Dutch he’s picked up a mad American accent to answer the questions. He also calls Leicester crap. Here it is:

Today’s Words

Couple of pieces from TAW today. Firstly, Karl Coppack has penned a nice tribute to the late Gerry McIver, a key figure as part of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign. Read that here.

Adam Smith has done his weekly column, talking about his thoughts on the fallout from the local ticket scheme, which you can read here.

Finally, I’ve written a little piece looking at how Anfield could have looked, if it weren’t for the constant smoke and mirrors from previous owners. Read it here.

Listen to the latest *free* Anfield Wrap podcast here:

https://audioboom.com/boos/5012770-home-front