JÜRGEN KLOPP has called on Anfield to create a “special atmosphere” when Liverpool take on Hull City on Saturday.
With a narrative growing that the Reds struggle against teams that “park the bus”, Klopp hit back in his pre-match press conference at Melwood today.
Pointing to performances against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, Klopp said all of those sides offered Liverpool little space yet the Reds were able to score goals and win seven of the nine points available.
And the manager reckons both fans and players need to be positive when Liverpool take to the field against Mike Phelan’s side this weekend.
Klopp said: “Atmosphere is important both from crowd and team. I would like to see everyone come with right expectations. Is it possible to create a more special atmosphere? Let’s try it. I’d love to see everyone go into it with the right expectation.”
Since Klopp took over at Liverpool last October, he has regularly pointed fingers at the crowd for the atmosphere at home games, criticising fans who leave early and, after the Leicester City game this season, even questioning the timing of singing his name.
In today’s conference it was clear he thinks Anfield isn’t always a positive place if things aren’t going Liverpool’s way — and that can have knock-on effect when it comes to players’ performances.
Klopp said: “You miss a chance in another game, it’s like ‘c’mon not the same shit, rubbish again’. It will be difficult. If we can accept that before the game we won’t be surprised. It’s important not to lose your nerve and shoot from 45 yards. You need to stay in the races in these kind of games.
“I want a special atmosphere at 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon. At Anfield two things that are important: the crowd and the team. I think we can all improve – the team, the manager, the staff and the fans.
“We have to go to Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the most positive mood we have ever been in. I know we will be ready.”
Klopp also emphasised there are no question marks over his players’ attitude regardless of who the opposition is.
He explained: “We didn’t care about the opponent before we played Arsenal, Chelsea or Tottenham. It’s not about the name in our preparations. We need to be maximum concentrated. Greedy. Angry. Really nothing has happened until now. It’s only a few games. We need to find stability.
“We are still working on trying to find solutions. It’s a simple game but it’s difficult to win. It’s not about celebrating ourselves. We need to be angry against Hull. They want our points. We have to think about why people think we have problems against bus parking.
“I don’t want to say anything about Hull. We don’t have to rate the opponent before the game and say, ‘This one is easy’.”
Klopp remained tight-lipped on the goalkeeper question, refusing to reveal who of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius will start the match on Saturday. The German summer signing was given the nod for the League Cup win at Derby County but so far Mignolet has started every Premier League game.
He said: “This isn’t the place to announce line ups. We have to think about it in a positive way. When I decide it is a decision for one player and not against another player. The decision for the next game doesn’t mean that will be the decision for the next five years. I am really happy with both of them, it’s a decision at the highest level.”
Asked about Liverpool’s draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the next round of the League Cup, Klopp said he was “happy to be playing at home”.
He added: “It’s the first draw I saw live. West Ham v Chelsea made me smile. Manchester United v Manchester City…nice, and another smile.
“Without European nights, let’s take what we can get. The draw is a big boost for the cup. When I came here, I had to explain why I put out strong sides. These games are exciting.”
Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum are in contention for selection for Saturday’s game but Joe Gomez is still not in full training yet.
Love the new site. Looks really good.
I think these subtle digs at the crowd by Klopp actually work. It’s been shown in the past.
I remember his first home game in the Europa. I turned up fully intent on getting behind the team. I don’t remember him asking on that occasion but I do remember fans on social media demanding it. Then there was the stop leaving early dig by him. I sensed the people who did leave thereafter felt embarrassed to be sneaking off though some have good reason, others don’t. Was there another call by Klopp v Dortmund. I’m not sure but I think there was. The point I’m making is I feel a lot of Liverpool fans in the ground respond to this kind of thing. It’s hard to completely ignore. I’ve said a hundred times on here that he knows how to heal aspects of the club and he’s identified the atmosphere as a major one and he’s completely correct. I aspect to hear this from him regularly throughout the season.
The reason I feel it works goes beyond respect for Klopp. I feel it’s linked to when he arrived at the club. He made noises about the Liverpool fans being the best in the world and that’s why he chose us against the odds. We all have pride in our club and want that to be the case but deep down we know it’s not true anymore (in relation to singing, we’ll always take the most to European finals etc) but we all know with a concerted effort it could be the case again. We have the tools but lack the belief. I think deep down a lot of us were embarrassed by Klopps ‘best fans, atmosphere’ quotes. We put our heads down meekly in case he found out the truth about us and changed his mind. We need encouragement and I love this aspect of him. Managers in the past like Rafa always had our backs but he wasn’t like a school teacher chastising us. Klopp has that feel. We don’t intimidate him at all. He see’s himself as the boss of us too and the same way he’ll chastise players he’ll do the same to us. I love it. He’s a strong and ruthless man who believes in himself and he’s got no time for whinging moaning fans. He’ll put us straight. It’s another reason why I feel we’re safe in his hands. A lot was made of it when he came and it’s thankfully died down but I do feel he’s Shanklyesque. Early days but I genuinely feel Klopp is going to restore Liverpool as one of the greats.
I guarantee this pep talk from him will be in the back of people’s minds and we won’t want to let him down. We know it’s what we want and we’ve lost our way and need these reminders. I loved it against Leicester. I thought the atmosphere was good but he didn’t say ‘well done folks’. He bollocked us because we sang his name. Although not at Chelsea I believe the Klopp chants came after the whistle. Why? Because of the esteem we hold him in. We’re ripe to be guided at the minute and that’s what he’s doing in a psychological warfare technique. Absolute genius. The fans will respond tomorrow. I think we might even get a little carrot from him afterwards in the form of a bit of praise but he’ll be on our case again next game. Brilliant.
New site looks Boss
Totally agree with you Robin. This man can chastise me all he wants because anytime he does he tends to do it for absolutely the right reasons, at the right time and most importantly with the best interests of the team and club at heart. he hits the right notes on these types of things far more often than not. he is a smart guy of course, but he is also totally genuine. What more can you ask for as a fan? Well, i suppose a good team winnings things would help and I don’t think there is anyone who would come close to him, other than Pep, who could give us a better chance of having a great team that wins things. I couldn’t be more excited. I fricking love this man.
Up Kloppo’s Reds.
Robin/others – separate note. Firstly apologies for the unsolicited request for help. I am a London based LFC who massively struggles to get to Anfield. Three young kids, unsympathetic wife etc. If you would have any interest in coming to some kind of an agreement in sourcing me away end tickets for London away games i’d be hugely interested. if you or anyone else wanted to help out/come to a deal feel free to email me at [email protected]
Cheers,
T
Love the new site. Top job. I’ve got tickets for Saturday in the new stand. Can’t wait. My brother and I are going to stand and shout like fuck until someone tells us to sit down.
I would sing the whole game but we ain’t got the tunes no more. I’d love a full rendition of poor scouser Tommy or a fuller version of fields of Anfield road. What about we won it five times??? I travel from Cardiff 3-4 times a season and I know all the tunes of our glory days (even though I was barely born) but never had chance to join in and sing em. The only song we got is Livvvvverpool, livvvvverpool. It’s fucking cringe.
Well me from Dortmund Germany and I do really Love LFC up the year 1973 when Gladbach and LFC played against each other.The German Commentary at Anfield was donne By the LFC Fans and sayed he s neverever Seen Fans like the Likes of LFC.With such Fans behind you anyone could Beat every Team in the world! Bill Shankley was the great Coach of LFC!!! So i d prefer to see Fans cheers the Team and themselfes cause it’s the first fuxking right every LFC Fan none can annoy! YNWA cheers from Germany