Before their pivotal Premier League match against Arsenal, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had a message for the team’s supporters: “We need Anfield on their toes.”
Following a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, Klopp voiced issues regarding the spectators’ lack of excitement.
Klopp said following the West Ham match, “I asked people, ‘What do you want?'” We made a lot of adjustments, dominated West Ham mercilessly, and let opportunities pass us by. I would be one thousand percent on my toes if I were in the stand.”
After two goals from Curtis Jones, goals from Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai turned the game into a rout. Klopp admitted that the crowd’s mood during the West Ham match may have been impacted by their dissatisfaction over a recent 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
“On Saturday, Anfield is essential. In the absence of Anfield, I would say that Arsenal prepared for this match; those who are familiar with them will find them ready. They didn’t play this week. Thus, we must keep Anfield guessing from the very beginning,” Klopp stressed.
For the record 19th time, Liverpool—unbeaten at home
For the record 19th time, Liverpool—unbeaten at home since February—made it to the League Cup semifinals. The week of January 9th, they will play Fulham in the semifinal, while Chelsea will play Middlesbrough in the other semifinal. The Carabao Cup final is set to take place at Wembley Stadium on February 25.
Klopp encouraged supporters to have a positive attitude despite the hectic schedule that lies ahead, stating, “If you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.” In closing, Klopp expressed his satisfaction if the atmosphere created by the West Ham fans was generating anticipation for Saturday’s big matchup with Arsenal.
Liverpool and Fulham will square off in the Carabao Cup semifinal
Liverpool defeated West Ham 5-1 at Anfield in the quarterfinal to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Two goals apiece from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah completed the score.
The semi-final match between Jurgen Klopp’s team and Fulham is set for January 9–10 at Anfield for the first leg and January 23–24 at Craven Cottage for the decider. Middlesbrough will play Chelsea in the other semi-final. Liverpool will play Fulham again in the league in April.
The two teams have already faced off this season, with Liverpool winning a thrilling 4-3 victory at Anfield in early December.
When are the semi-finals and finals?
The first game is scheduled to take place in early January, following Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round match against Arsenal. The fact that there won’t be a match the following weekend (January 13–14) interferes with their short winter break plans.
The next game is an FA Cup fourth-round match if Liverpool advances past Arsenal, and it follows an away Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Leg 1: January 9–10.
Second Leg: 23–24 January
Mo Salah (Africa Cup of Nations) and Wataru Endo (Asia Cup) will not be available for Liverpool’s semi-final matches. Wembley will host the final on February 25.
In their most recent final, which took place in 2022 after a goalless draw with Chelsea, Liverpool prevailed on penalties.
More about Jurgen Klopp
Currently managing Liverpool in the Premier League is German professional football manager and former player Jurgen Klopp. Known as one of the world’s best football managers, Klopp played his whole playing career at Mainz 05. He started out as a striker but eventually switched to a defensive position.
After retiring in 2001, Klopp took over as manager of Mainz 05, and the team was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2004. After being the club’s longest-serving manager, Klopp resigned in 2008 despite being facing relegation in the 2006–07 season and failing to achieve promotion.
