Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a strong message to fans, urging those “not in the right shape” for Saturday’s crucial Premier League match against Arsenal to pass their tickets on. Those supporters who aren’t ready to give 110% are urged to stay home and watch football streams this weekend.
This comes after Klopp expressed dissatisfaction with the atmosphere at Anfield during Wednesday’s 5-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over West Ham.
Despite Liverpool securing their joint-biggest win of the season and advancing to a two-legged semi-final encounter with Fulham, Klopp felt that the atmosphere inside Anfield was lacking.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones (who scored twice) were not enough to lift spirits in what was only the second time 57,000 fans were present following the opening of Anfield Road Stand’s upper tier.
Klopp ‘not overly happy’ with Anfield atmosphere
Klopp voiced his disappointment saying: “In the first half when the boys played exceptionally, I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me.” He questioned what more could be expected from his team who dominated West Ham and created numerous chances.
Television pundit Gary Neville had previously commented on this issue after Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester United. He described it as “the worst” he had ever seen at Anfield despite it being one of their largest crowds in decades.
Klopp echoed these sentiments after Liverpool’s victory over West Ham stating: “I don’t know if the Man United game was that bad that we have to say sorry we didn’t smash them?”
Liverpool welcome Arsenal this weekend
Looking ahead at Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against Premier Leagueleaders Arsenal – who will come into this game well-rested having not played for six days since their 2-0 win over Brighton – Klopp emphasized how crucial fan support will be.
“We need Anfield on Saturday,” Klopp stressed, highlighting the importance of a vibrant and supportive atmosphere from the first second of the match. He added: “If it is too much football in December, if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.”
Klopp’s message to Liverpool fans is clear: their support can play a pivotal role in boosting team performance and morale.
As Liverpool prepare for their crucial encounter with Arsenal, Klopp hopes that Anfield will be filled with passionate supporters ready to cheer on their team from start to finish.
