MY ACCOUNT
Jurgen Klopp made an impassioned plea to Liverpool supporters to create the best atmosphere possible during Saturday’s clash with Watford to build momentum ahead of next weekend’s crucial trip to Manchester City.
The Reds are back in action for Saturday’s early kick-off, hosting Watford at Anfield with all eyes on the Premier League table ahead of a massive few weeks.
Liverpool head into that game a point behind leaders City having played the same number of games, meaning victory over Roy Hodgson’s Hornets will put the Reds top, even if only temporarily with Pep Guardiola’s men facing Burnley soon after.
The two title challengers’ results on Saturday take on greater importance given they will go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium the following Sunday in a contest that could have a decisive say in where the Premier League title goes.
As such, Klopp is not taking any chances against Watford and is calling on fans to create the kind of raucous atmosphere that he seemingly does not usually associate with early kick-offs.
“It’s a good example of how important it is to be top of the league at 14:30 on a Saturday when everyone is playing after… It’s not too important,” Klopp told reporters.
“Most of the time City play before us, and I couldn’t care less what is after that. It’s just how well we prepare for the 12:30 kick-off situation, because we face a Watford who won the last game, smells the chance to stay in the league.
“Obviously [Watford have] a very experienced manager with the way they set up, very well organised, a lot of individual talent. When you watch in the Premier League to analyse, you see they are good here, there, here, but then they don’t have many points.
“It’s just because of the quality in the league, but individual talent in the group is really good, that’s what we need to be aware of.
“But what we need for this game is a sensational, the best 12:30 atmosphere ever. Not nervous, not tense… if you can’t shout and sing or whatever then stay at home and give your ticket to someone else, please.
“Really, we need all you have.
“The boys have come back from all over the world, played completely different systems and we have one session to make sure they are reminded on what we do.
“Then we go against a well organised Watford team and we need each voice for that.”
