Jürgen Klopp: ‘You are still with us - we are always together’
Jürgen Klopp has reaffirmed his belief that Liverpool’s players and fans will be a united and powerful force despite the fact tonight’s game at Anfield will take place behind closed doors.
The Reds’ first home fixture since the Premier League restart takes place when Crystal Palace visit L4 on Wednesday.
There will, of course, be no supporters in attendance - but that does not mean Klopp and his squad will not feel their backing from wherever they are watching around the world.
“It is important to begin by saying I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe,” the boss writes, in his notes for the official matchday programme.
“Unfortunately because of the nature of the terrible virus there will be those of you reading this who have lost family members or close friends during this period. I doubt very much there is a person on the planet who doesn’t have a connection to someone who has been affected by the tragic consequences of what we have collectively been through and continue to face.
“Those of you reading this now, who will no doubt be watching the match today, you are still with us. If you watch with your entire household or you watch by yourself because of the circumstances, you are with us today.
“We know what our club and this group of players in particular means to you. We know the joy it brings. We know you kick every ball and shout still as if you were in the middle of the Kop. We know the impact of what we do now will be as big as anything we have ever done, because you are making sacrifices for us by staying in your homes.
“We may be apart physically, but we are always together. I really believe in this. These moments are unique – but they can be uniquely special. You cannot be in or around the stadium or even gather anywhere today, but I can bring you into our dressing-room for the moment, in terms of telling you what we feel as a team.
“For us, the importance of what we do and how we do it has never been more critical. For us, it is ‘now more than ever’.”
Get your copy of tonight's matchday programme either in physical or digital form.
