Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticized the lack of atmosphere at Anfield, imploring quiet fans to “give their tickets to somebody else” if they’re not willing to support the team during the upcoming clash with Arsenal. The Reds secured a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham United, featuring goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and a brace from Curtis Jones. This result came after a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Manchester United, which left Anfield eerily silent and prompted opposition goalkeeper Andre Onana to remark that he “felt nothing” from the stands.
The silent atmosphere persisted during the midweek fixture, especially in the first half when Liverpool were not vocally backed by the Anfield faithful. Speaking to the media after the game, Klopp expressed disappointment with the lack of energy inside the stadium. “I thought in the first half when the boys played really exceptionally, I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me,” he revealed. The manager went on to challenge fans, saying, “If I was in the stands, I would be on my toes, 1,000%. I don’t know, if the Man Utd game was that bad that we have to say sorry we didn’t smash them?”
Klopp also issued a call to action for fans ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal, emphasizing the importance of their support. “We need Anfield on Saturday,” Klopp stressed, highlighting the significance of the upcoming match against a well-prepared Arsenal side. He urged fans to create a lively atmosphere from the opening whistle, stating, “So we need Anfield on their toes from the first second, without me having an argument with the opposition coach.” Furthermore, Klopp suggested that supporters who are not in the right frame of mind or physical shape for the match should consider passing on their tickets to others who are willing to bring the required excitement and energy to the stadium.
The manager’s frustration with the lack of vocal backing from fans highlights the impact that a lively atmosphere can have on the team’s performance. As Liverpool continues to pursue success in multiple competitions, Klopp understands the importance of having the Anfield faithful fully engaged and supportive. It remains to be seen whether the manager’s words will resonate with the supporters, but his message serves as a reminder of the integral role that fans play in creating a thriving and vibrant environment for the team. With pivotal fixtures on the horizon, the unity between the players and the supporters will be crucial in helping Liverpool achieve their goals.
