Liverpool fans, known as the “Spirit of Shankly”, have announced that they have nothing to add to Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of the lack of vibrant atmosphere at Anfield. The organization pointed to the high cost of tickets, which have become prohibitive for young fans who wish to attend the stadium.
Last week, Klopp expressed his dissatisfaction with the atmosphere at Anfield during the League Cup game against West Ham (5-1). He called for more active support from the stands for the upcoming home game against Premier League leaders Arsenal, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement. Furthermore, Klopp suggested that if some fans are not willing to participate, they should give their tickets to someone else.
The “Spirit of Shankly” expressed concern not only about the lack of passion at Anfield, but also about the negotiations that have begun with the club to address this issue. The group stressed that it did not disagree with Klopp’s remarks about the atmosphere at the stadium and highlighted the importance of Anfield’s unique atmosphere, known as the “Anfield effect”.
The fans’ organization attributes part of the responsibility for the situation to the ticket sales policy adopted by the club, pointing out that high prices exclude young fans, resulting in a change in the demographics of stadium-goers. The “Spirit of Shankly” expressed concern about the lack of opportunities for young people to experience the passion at the stadium and preserve the culture of the Kop, which has existed for decades. On the other hand, Klopp commented on the recent decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to the Super League, a project that he completely disapproves of. Although he criticizes the Superliga, the coach points out that UEFA and FIFA have received a warning that they cannot act arbitrarily, a point that he does not view with displeasure.