Klopp: We need fans on our side

JURGEN KLOPP understands frustration of Liverpool fans but has urged for unity tonight.

There will be an unfamiliar sight of no flags on the Kop for their Europa League clash against Atalanta.

Supporters are protesting after ticket prices for 2024/25 were hiked by two percent.

Asked if that created a concern that Anfield’s famous European-night atmosphere might not be the same, Klopp (above) said: “That the flags are not there, no. As long as the people are there it’s all good.

“I understand the concerns. It’s a tricky one from my point of view.

“We want to make the stadium available for everybody. We are a selfsustaining club. As long as I’m here we can tell everybody, each pound we earned went directly back into football.

“There’s a lot of good things the club’s doing but I understand where the fans are coming from. I’m pretty sure they’ll find a solution.

“But what we should make sure is that nothing gets between us and the supporters: between the two big whistles we just have to be Liverpool. That’s what I’m asking.”

Klopp insisted he hasn’t yet decided whether England star Trent Alexander-arnold, keeper Alisson Becker and Portuguese forward Diogo Jota will return tonight.

He said: “They looked very good in training yesterday and now we’ll see how we involve them. We need them clearly. But we need them in the best possible shape.”

Klopp said Stefan Bajcetic is training again but likely to return in the Under-21s initially given he has been out for so long.

The Europa League is the only trophy to elude Klopp and he said: “With us being Liverpool, we want to win the competition.”