Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool celebrates the second goal and loses his glasses during the Premier League match at Anfield Stadium. (Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage via PA Images)

Jurgen Klopp urges fans to create “special atmosphere” no matter the opposition

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called for supporters to create a “special atmosphere” regardless of their opposition.

The Reds take on Mike Phelan’s Hull in only their second home game of the season on Saturday afternoon—in what represents, on paper, one of their easier challenges so far.

Liverpool have triumphed over Arsenal, Leicester City and Chelsea already in the Premier League, as well as drawing with Tottenham Hotspur.

But, when asked by reporters at Melwood on Thursday whether this latest outing was more similar to August’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley, Klopp disagreed, saying expectations should be the same for every game.

“We have to create chances against each team, we did it [against Burnley], but didn’t score,” he said.

“I’m not sure Hull will [sit back like Burnley], but I didn’t see a a lot of space against Chelsea or Tottenham.

“[They had] 10 men behind the ball, nobody gambled, all involved in defending.

“If there’s anything, it’s a moment when I’m not angry but not happy with my English.

“I think we all can improve—team, coaches, manager and the crowd—because it’s all about expectations.

“If you create a chance against Chelsea, it’s positive; if you miss it, it’s positive. If you create a chance against Burnley and miss it, it’s negative.

“We don’t have to rate the opponent before the game, no football game is easy.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 10, 2016: Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the second goal against Leicester City during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Fortunately, Saturday’s clash is at Anfield, with Liverpool backed by a further 8,500 supporters following the expansion of the Main Stand.

This should aid Klopp’s side, and his push for a “special atmosphere” in every game, regardless of the perceived level of opposition.

“Is it possible to create the most special atmosphere at 3 o’clock at Anfield?” he asked. “I would say yes, so let’s try it.

“Two things are important for atmosphere: the crowd and the team.

“I would really love to see everybody goes with the right expectations, not disappointed we miss a chance in the first 10 minutes.

“Why should it be easier? We can always say ‘against this team something was wrong’, I can 100 percent guarantee it’s not about the attitude of the players.

“It’s not ‘why should we put everything in this game?’.

“So let’s try to really create an atmosphere where everyone is in the performance, in the game, happy with moments, creating chances, to show how we can cause them problems.

“Then if we stay concentrate and patient, but greedy and direct, we’ll have the next [chance] and it’s more likely you’ll use one.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 5, 2016: Liverpool supporters on the Spion Kop before the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match against Villarreal CF at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp reiterated the importance of fans, saying “everybody has a role to play.”

“If we have it in a big game and miss the chance, you can hear it in the stadium, it’s exciting.

“But if you miss a chance in another game it’s like ‘oh my god’. You miss a chance in a big game, it’s like ‘woah’ then clapping and ‘go again, go again.’

“Miss a chance in another game, and it’s ‘come on, not the same shit again’.

“We have to go to Anfield on Saturday and set the tone for the afternoon, we have to be in the most positive mood we have ever been in.

“We all have our role to play.”

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