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Football

21st Dec 2023

Jurgen Klopp issues rallying cry to fans after criticising Anfield atmosphere

Lee Costello

Jurgen Klopp

“We need Anfield on Saturday.”

Jurgen Klopp has issued a rallying cry to all Liverpool fans after criticising Anfield’s atmosphere during their victory over West Ham.

The Reds put on a dominant display as they cruised past West Ham 5-1 to secure their spot in the Caraboa Cup semi-finals against Fulham.

Dominik Szoboszlai, whose form has dropped in recent games, scored the first goal with a rocket from outside the box, and then in the second half, the home side took complete control.

Curtis Jones nutmegged the goalkeeper to get his side’s second, and shortly afterwards Cody Gakpo fires one from range, putting Liverpool in the leaderboard of teams who have scored most from outside the box, with nine in total.

Substitute Mo Salah then netted the fourth before Jones got his second of the night, leaving a wake of west Ham players in his path as he slipped past them before rounding up the fixture nicely.

Jurgen Klopp issues rallying cry to fans after criticising Anfield atmosphere

However, even after such a brilliant performance, Klopp still thought that the atmosphere was lacking in some parts, and with a top of the table clash against Arsenal scheduled for this Saturday at Anfield, he issued a message to the fans.

“In the first half, when the boys played exceptionally, I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me,” he said.

“I asked people: ‘What do they want?’ We changed a lot of things and we dominated West Ham like crazy and missed chances. If I was in the stands, I would be on my toes, 1,000%.

“I don’t know if the Man United game was that bad that we have to say sorry we didn’t smash them?”

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1737738656993927579

“We need Anfield on Saturday,” Klopp said.

“Arsenal didn’t play this week. Anyone who knows anything about them knows they will be prepared, so we need Anfield on their toes from the first second, without me having an argument with the opposition coach.

“If it is too much football in December, if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.”

After Liverpool’s draw at home against Manchester United last Sunday, Gary Neville pointed out that even though the stadium held more in terms of capacity thanks to the new stand, it didn’t feel as loud.

“I’ve always been complimentary of Liverpool fans. It’s the biggest crowd they’ve had here in 60 or 70 years but it’s the quietest crowd I’ve seen in this game.”

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