Jurgen Klopp has voiced his annoyance with the flat Anfield atmosphere in recent weeks and encouraged Liverpool fans to back the team in a potential title-defining match against Arsenal on Saturday.
Klopp was seen gesticulating at a section of the Main Stand in the first half who were growing frustrated at a number of missed chances.
The German walked away shaking his head before offering an apologetic hand.
‘I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me,’ he said. ‘I was like, “What do you want?”. We changed the team a lot and we dominated West Ham. If I had been in the crowd I would have been on my toes.
‘Was everyone down because we didn’t smash Manchester United? On Saturday (against Arsenal), we need Anfield to be on its toes from the first second. Without waiting for me to have an argument with the opposition coach or whatever.
Jurgen Klopp took aim at the Anfield atmosphere despite Liverpool thrashing West Ham 5-1
Klopp called on the Anfield crowd to ensure they’re on top form for Saturday’s Arsenal clash
Liverpool cruised into the Carabao Cup semi-finals after scoring five goals against a hapless West Ham side at Anfield
"We need Anfield."
"If you're not in the right shape, give your ticket to someone else…"
🗣 Jürgen on Saturday
pic.twitter.com/OYLiIiWG5O— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) December 20, 2023
‘We need you. If it’s too much football in December, sorry, if you’re not in the right shape give your ticket to somebody else.’
It comes after the atmosphere has been rather subdued for the two home matches against Manchester United and West Ham this week.
Klopp was delighted with his team’s performance, though, and waxed lyrical on Curtis Jones, who scored a brace. Klopp said: ‘He looked even better to be honest, because he added to his game the acceleration of the ball which is really important.
‘He cannot do it against each opponent but there are some opponents where he can do it, where you pass the first line and then you have to go with the ball. His second goal is a crazy goal because you go towards the penalty spot.
‘It’s pretty rare but it is an important thing for him to do and was a really good game. Looked super fresh which was probably not surprising because he has not played thousands of minutes in recent weeks. In general the performance was good.
‘Harvey (Elliott) thankfully interpreted the role as a right winger completely differently to Mo (Salah). Which is important because nobody should play like Mo. If Mo is not there, we have to play to our skillset and that is what Harvey did. It’s top.
‘Dom (Szoboszlai) looked really, really good. Wataru (Endo) looked really good. That’s the engine-room of the team.
‘In midfield, defensively the boys are there and offensively they are cheeky. Then you have Cody (Gakpo), really good game, and Darwin (Nunez) is a threat.
Klopp did celebrate in front of The Kop after Liverpool cruised through in the Carabao Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold applauds the Liverpool supporters following the comfortable win
