Jurgen Klopp has called on Liverpool fans to provide the usual raucous Anfield atmosphere against Atalanta on Thursday night despite the absence of supporters carrying flags in protest against rising ticket prices.
Klopp declared himself sympathetic about the costs incurred watching the modern game but also promoted the good work Liverpool did in the community.
Fans’ groups have called for a boycott of taking their customary flags for the Europa League quarter-final first leg – one of three trophies Klopp is trying to win in his final season with the club.
‘The flags are not there but the people are,’ said Klopp. ‘I understand the concerns and the discussion (about prices), definitely. It is a tricky one from my point of view. It is clear we want the people in the stadium. We are ourselves a sustaining club.
‘I can tell everyone every pound we earn goes back into football and the club is doing a lot of good things. But I understand 100 per cent where the supporters are coming from.
‘I’m sure they will find a solution to this situation it starts with a protest and maybe the need for discussion. But we should make sure that nothing gets between us and the supporters. In between the big two whistles we just have to be Liverpool and that is what I am asking for.
‘It would be worse if the flags were in the stand, and not the people. We have had that before (during Covid).’
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Alisson have resumed training after each being out for several weeks but Klopp said he hadn’t decided if any of them will be involved against the Italians.
‘We have to see how they use them. It’s clear we need them, but in the best possible shape but also having rhythm.’
