Klopp reveals unusual obstacle Liverpool had to overcome in ‘professional’ opening victory
Jurgen Klopp felt getting used to playing in front of a packed stadium was one of the toughest things for his Liverpool players in Saturday’s victory over Norwich City.
Fans are now back at grounds around the country after the easing of restrictions and it was a full house at Carrow Road. But the Canaries faithful had little to celebrate on the pitch as their heroes went down to a 3-0 defeat. Diogo Jota opened the scoring in the 26th minute.
Roberto Firmino scored Liverpool’s 8,000th goal in league football after the break to make it 2-0 before Mohamed Salah added a third. The hosts piled on the pressure towards the death but could not find a way through.
And Klopp was delighted with the way his men took their pre-season form into the opening league encounter.
“We had two games against Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna, and they were really good games,” he told Sky Sports. “It was a good sign that we’re ready to go, but when you start the league it’s different.
“We had to find our way in the game and scored three really nice goals because we forced them. It’s a good start.”
Liverpool had Virgil van Dijk back in the side after his extended absence due to injury. The visitors managed to keep a clean sheet and Klopp acknowledged that it was a case of ‘job done’.
“We were not here to show the most exciting football, just to get the basis for the new season, and we did. Football is back,” he added.
Klopp applauds home fans
Supporters returned to stadiums towards the end of 2020-2021 but on a restricted basis. That is no longer the case and the atmosphere was electric at Carrow Road.
Klopp was relieved to hear fans cheering and felt it was another aspect for his players to deal with in East Anglia.
“The occasion was great. It was exactly what we expected and what we’d missed for so long,” he continued. “I applauded the Norwich fans as well because it’s so nice to have fans back, wherever they come from.
“I could see in the eyes of the players they had to get used to it again. Everybody has to get used to the atmosphere.
“We had to get used to the opponent and the game, but we found a way. It was a very professional performance and I’m happy about that.”
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