Liverpool: Klopp backtracks on Anfield criticism ahead of Arsenal showdown

The Reds are preparing for one of their most crucial Premier League games of the season this weekend.

Jurgen Klopp has addressed his criticism of Anfield’s atmosphere ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Arsenal.

The Reds reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a 5-1 victory over West Ham in midweek. After the game, Klopp appeared to be unhappy with the home crowd, saying: “I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me. 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.”

Klopp’s side are now preparing for another match at Anfield, hoping to reclaim the top of the Premier League table by beating Arsenal on Saturday.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Klopp appeared to backtrack on his previous comments about the Liverpool supporters.

“I can tell our people, I don’t order atmospheres,” the German boss said on Friday. “We had 2 home games in a row and 62 [shots]. Imagine if we’d have scored [more].

“It’s my feeling directly after the game. I turned around and missed a chance and people were flat.”

Further pressed on his suggestion to unsupportive fans to give their tickets away, Klopp added: “I said give your ticket to someone else but people tell me it’s not that easy! I didn’t mean it [literally].

“I cannot change that no, I said we need Anfield that is 100% true and I can’t wait for the first whistle.”