Jurgen Klopp has reiterated the importance of backing from the stands for Liverpool, home and away, saying “they can make all the difference.”
The Reds have experienced a mixed reception at Anfield of late, with the expansion of the new Main Stand having little effect on the stadium’s atmosphere.
There has been considerable criticism for the day-tripper mentality among many fans, and this was echoed by QPR manager Ian Holloway after their 2-2 draw at home to Brentford on Monday.
Holloway called for supporters to stay until full-time, with many having left Loftus Road by the time Matt Smith and Luke Freeman struck in the final two minutes of stoppage time.
And Klopp, speaking ahead of the Reds’ trip to take on Stoke City, highlighted the need for a positive atmosphere, using Sevilla’s fightback in the Champions League last week as evidence.
“They can make all the difference, that’s how it is,” he told reporters at Melwood.
“We felt it a week ago in Seville. I’m pretty sure in an empty stadium, or at Anfield, and we are 3-0 up I don’t think [the comeback] would have happened.
“Even though the German derby, Dortmund [4-4] Schalke, showed a little bit in another way!
“But it’s much more difficult. Football only really works, in my understanding, when we all play together, when we all work together.
“That means that involves the crowd, 100 percent. We do it only because people are interested.
“When they leave it feels strange, players don’t stand in the stadium thinking ‘oh, people are going home’, but you feel it.
“We can perform better when the atmosphere is there, and I’m happy I’m not the only person on this planet who sees it like this.”
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