Liverpool players pay tribute to the fans after the game
While a 2-2, last gasp draw at home to West Brom is hardly a result to be proud of – nor is it a watershed result in Klopp’s reign – the atmosphere generated at Anfield last night and the response of the players at the final whistle could yet be a watershed moment in recent Liverpool history.
For too many years, the gap between the fan and the player (and, by extension, club) has been growing wider and wider, with the atmosphere at Anfield suffering as much as the fan’s pockets with increasing ticket prices. But the roar of the Kop (and whole ground) which followed West Brom taking the lead yesterday was something to behold.
And Jurgen Klopp made sure that his players showed their appreciation to the fans at the final whistle. Something that many in the press have typically turned upon with scorn; how dare fans and players share a special bond and express that on the field at the final whistle, regardless of the result.
But Liverpool’s players are in no doubt as to how they feel about what occurred on Sunday, with Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi both commenting after the match.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Henderson said: “The crowd kept with us. Even when we were getting beat, they kept us going and we managed to get the equaliser.
“I thought we were going to drag ourselves over the line for the winner. We’re trying to create that atmosphere here even more so and the fans were brilliant. We’ve got to keep that going and win games here for them.”
Despite the efforts of the players and the 12th man atmosphere created by the fans, Liverpool eventually had to settle for a draw but the noise generated at the famous old stadium has now set a precedent and the fans will have to ensure the atmosphere is the same from hereon in. Something that the players will also have to ensure that they match.
And if that’s the case, then results should be much easier to come by. Particularly if Divock Origi’s reaction was anything to go by. Also speaking the club’s official website following the game, Origi said: “We’re all together.
“The way the supporters pushed us at the end was something I’d never seen in football until now in my career.
“It was very emotional and pushed us to score this goal. We’re all in this together and we wanted to thank them.”
Much has been made of that moment that the fans, players and manager shared following the game. Do you agree with what Klopp urged the players to do? Let us know your thoughts below.
