[ad_1]
It is usually one of the most exciting and anticipated days of the football calendar.
After a summer hungry for competitive club action, the prospect of the start of the new Premier League season would normally be met with dizzying enthusiasm from Liverpool fans.
Except, of course, these are not normal times.
For starters, the last high-level campaign ended less than six weeks ago.
And as Anfield crackled with noise and atmosphere for the great start to last year, this time Jurgen Klopp’s team will begin their campaign against Leeds United on Saturday night in almost total silence.
Playing in front of empty stands was not what Liverpool would have imagined in life as new Premier League champions. But, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, his supporters remain excluded, and a possible comeback is also being reviewed late next month.
The impact of not having fans present continues to be hotly debated.
But for former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp, now a Sky Sports expert, there is no question.
“More than any other team, Liverpool are going to miss their fans,” he says, speaking to ECHO.
“I may be biased, well I’m biased, but it is a fact that Liverpool and their fans are a perfect match.
“Jurgen Klopp has created a great team atmosphere and togetherness, along with a brilliant team, but he also has the crowd and the team connected as one.
“You can see it. You can see it in the tunnel, sometimes opposing teams get beaten before the game starts because they get close, the crowd is at a fever pitch, they are willing to do it and the atmosphere is incredible.
“Even when the team hasn’t been playing well, they’ve led to results that they simply wouldn’t have had if there hadn’t been an audience there.
“They demand it, they make them run that extra mile, they make them get in the box, do those races. They are a force to be reckoned with.”
Redknapp adds: “Take advantage of the first weekend of the season. Liverpool against Leeds, two clubs that have great fans backing their team. Certainly Leeds are going to miss having their fans with them and so will Liverpool.
“Once the fans gradually start to arrive, hopefully it won’t be long before the stadiums are at capacity again.
“But it has to be at the right time. We can’t rush this. It has to be a safe time. Soccer is important, yes, but obviously health is much more important. Right now, just having a few fans will be a huge advantage. “
In fact, Redknapp is among those who believe that empty stands have helped certain players and teams thrive in the era of closed doors.
“We have seen some examples of how the lack of an audience can benefit some teams,” he says.
“I have no doubt that some players loved not having the crowd there without that pressure.
“Getting the stick out of the crowd and dealing with it is one of the hardest things as a footballer, there isn’t a player who hasn’t had it at some point in his career.
“I saw Aston Villa towards the end of last season, and they seemed to be better because there was no one there. Not that Villa’s fans are anything but fantastic, but perhaps some of his players fought with anticipation and perhaps are in hiding. I think it played a big part in keeping them awake. “
Despite a lack of supporters, Redknapp still considers Liverpool the favorite to retain their title due to the presence of one player in particular.
“Liverpool are the favorites, definitely,” he says. “Things could change a bit if City strengthens its defense even more.
Why should I register?
Premier League champions Liverpool are ready to defend their crown as the new season approaches.
The Reds are ready to go back to training after a short break and begin preparations for the new season.
Follow the latest news from Melwood and Liverpool’s preseason preparations with updates from Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle and the rest of the ECHO team.
You will also receive an additional weekly newsletter with all the latest behind the scenes at Paul’s Melwood.
How do I sign up?
It is free, easy and very fast.
- First, click this link to our newsletter subscription center.
- Once you’re there, put your email address where it says at the top, then click on the Liverpool FC newsletter. There are also others if you want them too.
- When you’ve made your choice, hit the Update Preference button at the bottom.
That’s! Your emails will reach your inbox from then on. It’s that easy.
“Liverpool’s most important player is Virgil van Dijk. Some people will say that the goalkeeper has made a difference, but he has not. This Liverpool team could still have won the league last season with another goalkeeper, but they couldn’t have gotten another Van Dijk.
“They are the most incredible defender, and that is why Liverpool have gone from being a team that ranks in the top four to a team that is Champions League and Premier League champions.
“He’s that good. Every team is looking for a player like him, and they don’t come around very often.”
Sky Sports is home to the Premier League with more matches live than any other broadcaster.
[ad_2]
