Topic: Atmosphere at Anfield

[Sharado]

Yeah, totally agree with all of that, but I do still worry about what it'll be like if the team needs a lift at Anfield in April and May.

It'll be absolutely fine. And we'll be out of sight by then anyway. Up the reds.

[KingKolo]

we'll be out of sight by then anyway

haha, we might need to be!

[CONFIAMOS]

Been the same for a long long  time.

It's really tough to get everyone up for these 'smaller' games. Even though really it's absolutely huge. Nerves yeah ok a bit of that, fuckin freezing, a ground with a high proportion of old (and younger) moaning bastards *tick.

Munich at home coming up and will do doubt  be a good occasion - hopefully give us and them a lift and try and keep the impetus up atmosphere  wise from there. The games will come thick and fast now, if you're there  play your part, fuck the status quo whether your sat with the blanket brigade in upper ken or wherever.

It's going to be tough this so let's hope lads coming back from injury will light the spark again and we can go into these games excited and confident. They'll defo need us in the next few months!

[Indomitable_Carp]

Just out of interest, anyone managed to get any of the £9 tickets in the Upper Main recently?

Me and my mates were managing to get them fairly steadily for the two years up to last November (Last seasons
Champions League run-in included). Since then nothing. If its just more locals getting on it then fair enough, but I'd hate to think they're just getting touted now we're in a title run-in.

[KingKolo]

Asked if he felt that there was an element of nervousness in the crowd, Van Dijk said:

“It sounded like it. It didn't transmit to me and I don't think it did to my team-mates, but obviously you get that feeling as well from the crowd and I think it’s not really necessary at the moment. But obviously everyone wants to win so bad and that’s what we want as well but sometimes you need to be very patient. In the end it’s all about showing on the pitch and we’re not going to be affected by that. We want everyone to cheer us on and keep pushing even if we have tough moments, even if we’re 1-0 down or maybe more. We just need everyone to pull in the same direction and keep going, that’s the only way forward.”

[Anfield89]

Been the same for a long long  time.

It's really tough to get everyone up for these 'smaller' games. Even though really it's absolutely huge. Nerves yeah ok a bit of that, fuckin freezing, a ground with a high proportion of old (and younger) moaning bastards *tick.

Munich at home coming up and will do doubt  be a good occasion - hopefully give us and them a lift and try and keep the impetus up atmosphere  wise from there. The games will come thick and fast now, if you're there  play your part, fuck the status quo whether your sat with the blanket brigade in upper ken or wherever.

It's going to be tough this so let's hope lads coming back from injury will light the spark again and we can go into these games excited and confident. They'll defo need us in the next few months!

Nothing to do with it atmosphere was good last season against them and was early on last night until people started shitting themselves.
Van Dijk politely told the crowd to stop shitting themselves after hopefully it doesn’t get ignored.

[wige]

Asked if he felt that there was an element of nervousness in the crowd, Van Dijk said:

“It sounded like it. It didn't transmit to me and I don't think it did to my team-mates, but obviously you get that feeling as well from the crowd and I think it’s not really necessary at the moment. But obviously everyone wants to win so bad and that’s what we want as well but sometimes you need to be very patient. In the end it’s all about showing on the pitch and we’re not going to be affected by that. We want everyone to cheer us on and keep pushing even if we have tough moments, even if we’re 1-0 down or maybe more. We just need everyone to pull in the same direction and keep going, that’s the only way forward.”

Should be spread around as much of the match going fanbase as much as possible. "I don't think it did to my teammates" being a key piece imo - probably didn't last night, but they're only human.

As to how? It's down to individual responsibility and groups. Nothing exists in a vacuum here. If you're spreading messages of "bottling" "nervousness" "slip ups" "pressure" around pubs, forums, social media, friendship groups, seats in a stadium - it's all impacting the collective mindset, and will be present in those tight moments. It's why Klopp has rallied against this stuff in the past, why I'm probably to quick to jump down peoples throats on here that talk nonsense about bottling or the team playing with nerves, or getting too carried away with the implications of the next 15 games. I'm not saying everyone should do what I say, or what Klopp says, but to actually think about it, think about the message, energy, vibe that they put it - it all adds up. One post is incredible small, incredibly weak, but it's not nothing. 1000 posts will start to influence a collective mindset. A podcast broadcast to 10'000 listeners will have a great influence and a crowd of 40'000 nervously muttering to each other that "it's not our day" or shouting their frustrations at a midfielder short on form may be the difference between 1 point and 3 and us winning the league.

[KingKolo]

Should be spread around as much of the match going fanbase as much as possible. "I don't think it did to my teammates" being a key piece imo - probably didn't last night, but they're only human.

As to how? It's down to individual responsibility and groups. Nothing exists in a vacuum here. If you're spreading messages of "bottling" "nervousness" "slip ups" "pressure" around pubs, forums, social media, friendship groups, seats in a stadium - it's all impacting the collective mindset, and will be present in those tight moments. It's why Klopp has rallied against this stuff in the past, why I'm probably to quick to jump down peoples throats on here that talk nonsense about bottling or the team playing with nerves, or getting too carried away with the implications of the next 15 games. I'm not saying everyone should do what I say, or what Klopp says, but to actually think about it, think about the message, energy, vibe that they put it - it all adds up. One post is incredible small, incredibly weak, but it's not nothing. 1000 posts will start to influence a collective mindset. A podcast broadcast to 10'000 listeners will have a great influence and a crowd of 40'000 nervously muttering to each other that "it's not our day" or shouting their frustrations at a midfielder short on form may be the difference between 1 point and 3 and us winning the league.

Agree with this

Hopefully TAW will make the point a bit

[CONFIAMOS]

Nothing to do with it atmosphere was good last season against them and was early on last night until people started shitting themselves.
Van Dijk politely told the crowd to stop shitting themselves after hopefully it doesn’t get ignored.

Whats got nothing to do with it?

It was never at any  point good last night. it started ok and  tailed off. Usually when we don't score in the first 20 people start getting edgy, saying we need a goal to lift the crowd. got the goal in the first few and it was still flat as pancake throughout.

[spider-neil]

West Ham 08/09, I remember.

I dunno, perhaps shameful is a bit strong... and obviously you'll see much worse at the Etihad on a regular basis, but I was massively disappointed by it.

Is that the game the team were booed off whilst going top of the league?

[rafathegaffa83]

Is that the game the team were booed off whilst going top of the league?

Yes

[swoopy]

Atmosphere was terrible. Two people a few rows infront of me in 306 had a couple of pieces of paper with the words to YNWA on
Started off ok but got worse and worse as people got more nervous. A point isn't the end of the world, but they are the moments when the players need to crowd to be right behind them. I actually thought it was going to be immense after Newcastle's result on Tuesday but it was the total opposite. Shame. But on we go.

[Red_Mist]

No need for that.

Yep, you’re right, so genuine apologies. BUT ‘shameful’ and ‘awful’ isn’t very constructive. There’s nerves, it might be an issue going forward, but there’s reasons for those nerves. Maybe people are trying reign their excitement in too. That’s understandable. It’ll all work itself out.

[Thepooloflife]

It might just be me, but from where I was in the Kop last night it didn't seem too bad - certainly not shameful. Myself and those around me in our area were singing our guts out - there maybe were a few more moans than normally, but much of that was aimed at that blind twat Atkinson. But, that then led to frustration and further moans at some of our lads - which is shameful. But, at one period in second half, when we were putting their goal under real pressure, the crowd really got behind the lads (can't remember which song now).....including them in the lower Kemlyn - and it takes a lot to get them goin' ! It was a difficult night all round what with the weather and the pitch, which disrupted our normal game somewhat and was a little frustrating because of that - but, as Jurgen said afterwards 'we're one point nearer our goal than we were...'. As for that twat Atkinson.....

[KingKolo]

Yep, you’re right, so genuine apologies. BUT ‘shameful’ and ‘awful’ isn’t very constructive. There’s nerves, it might be an issue going forward, but there’s reasons for those nerves. Maybe people are trying reign their excitement in too. That’s understandable. It’ll all work itself out.

Yeah, 'shameful' was going too far, it's only football at the end of the day. I was just frustrated.

But I think 'awful' is a fair way to describe last night's atmosphere. Plenty of other words spring to mind, and none of them are constructive.

Apart from City, that's the first time we've not won at home this season. There will be more nervy moments to come in this title run-in, and if we're going to talk about being a special club with special fans who act as the 12th man, standing about muttering and gawping at the first sign of problems is not good enough.

[Charlie Adams fried egg]

I think we need a shithouse amnesty.
The idea is ultimately to get more young lads who'll actually sing into the games for the run in instead of people who won't sing and shit themselves at every turn.

Those who know they scare easy hand their tickets back to the club who then sell them to young adult members at a reduced rate.
We get 5000 potential groans out of the ground and replace them with 5000 lads who'll turn up and sing.

A bit tongue in cheek, but a small price to pay for all concerned.

[KingKolo]

  shithouse amnesty

[Son of Spion]

I just can't get my head around modern football crowds. It's like there is a list of terms and conditions which determine whether a crowd is up for it or not. Too hot; fuck it off. Too cold; fuck it off. Big game next week; fuck it off tonight then. Pitch not perfect; nah, fuck that. Lots of "wools" in the ground; ah, fuck it then. Bit nervy tonight; lips are sealed. It's like everything has to be perfect before it really gets going.

Don't get me wrong, it's not just Anfield. It seems to be most crowds in the modern age. Old coot alert here, but I just can't be doing with it. To me, we are Liverpool. You buy a Kop ticket, you go to the stadium and you sing your guts out and support regardless of the weather, fucking Brexit, how you feel on any given day or whatever else.

[gray19lfc]

To me, we are Liverpool. You buy a Kop ticket, you go to the stadium and you sing your guts out and support regardless of the weather, fucking Brexit, how you feel on any given day or whatever else.

      

[Timbo's Goals]

^^^ Everyone’s nervous. Give em a break. Plenty of support tonight from what I could hear.

“Awful support”?? On second thoughts I been way too polite there. Don’t be a prick.

Totally agree Red Mist

All things considered, given the multiple frustrations in much of our play after the opening 10 - 15 minutes, the atmosphere last night was pretty fucking good - albeit there certainly are far too many who attend these sort of games as watching spectators as distinct from supporting fans. This includes half a dozen of my own mates who for countless years now have struggled to summon up the passion to sing and chant no matter what's going down. I more than make up for their quietness but not once in all the years have I ever slagged them off for not being like me. Just different strokes I'm afraid to say.

But last night, there were numerous explosions of support and encouragement, often quite loud and sustained considering the difficulties the team were experiencing. So some of the comments on here are simply bollocks - perhaps from folks who weren't there - and do a huge disservice to those who did back the team - including me.

And as for the nervousness. Give me a fucking break. Of course it was fucking nervous. Stomach churlingly so. In many respects the point we got was a bonus as they could easily have grabbed a second goal.

[glewis93]

Last night wasn't helped by a few older women screaming "sit down!" at people in lower annie road. Followed by moaning loudly about their arthritis, the cold and how inconsiderate everyone was, everyone would be able to see if they all stayed sat down.

Why even go if you're spending the 90 minutes trying to kill any atmosphere?

[Thepooloflife]

Totally agree Red Mist

All things considered, given the multiple frustrations in much of our play after the opening 10 - 15 minutes, the atmosphere last night was pretty fucking good - albeit there certainly are far too many who attend these sort of games as watching spectators as distinct from supporting fans. This includes half a dozen of my own mates who for countless years now have struggled to summon up the passion to sing and chant no matter what's going down. I more than make up for their quietness but not once in all the years have I ever slagged them off for not being like me. Just different strokes I'm afraid to say.

But last night, there were numerous explosions of support and encouragement, often quite loud and sustained considering the difficulties the team were experiencing. So some of the comments on here are simply bollocks - perhaps from folks who weren't there - and do a huge disservice to those who did back the team - including me.

And as for the nervousness. Give me a fucking break. Of course it was fucking nervous. Stomach churlingly so. In many respects the point we got was a bonus as they could easily have grabbed a second goal.

Glad it wasn't just me then Timbo - totally agree. What I found last night was when some started moaning, the rest of us around would just sing even louder to drown the fuckers out ! As for this bit in bold.......exactly ! Did you see that save from Allison off his own player Firmino - point blank ! I think some Leicester players may have been offiside mind, but even so....incredible reaction save.

[Raid]

I just can't get my head around modern football crowds. It's like there is a list of terms and conditions which determine whether a crowd is up for it or not. Too hot; fuck it off. Too cold; fuck it off. Big game next week; fuck it off tonight then. Pitch not perfect; nah, fuck that. Lots of "wools" in the ground; ah, fuck it then. Bit nervy tonight; lips are sealed. It's like everything has to be perfect before it really gets going.

Don't get me wrong, it's not just Anfield. It seems to be most crowds in the modern age. Old coot alert here, but I just can't be doing with it. To me, we are Liverpool. You buy a Kop ticket, you go to the stadium and you sing your guts out and support regardless of the weather, fucking Brexit, how you feel on any given day or whatever else.

Pretty much ageee with that. Singing isn't for everyone, but I can't get my head round if you are on the Kop at least, you don't get involved. When I know I'm going to the match I'm buzzing for it for days, I already can't wait to be there for Bournemouth.

Been times this season I've joined in some of the singing on my own with others in silence around me. Appreciate some are season ticket holders, but if you're a member like me who's lucky enough to score Kop tickets I'd have thought you'd be bouncing like I am on matchday!

[Son of Spion]

Pretty much ageee with that. Singing isn't for everyone, but I can't get my head round if you are on the Kop at least, you don't get involved. When I know I'm going to the match I'm buzzing for it for days, I already can't wait to be there for Bournemouth.

Been times this season I've joined in some of the singing on my own with others in silence around me. Appreciate some are season ticket holders, but if you're a member like me who's lucky enough to score Kop tickets I'd have thought you'd be bouncing like I am on matchday!

Of course, I know singing is not for everyone. I thought I'd get some stick for that post, to be honest, but it's just the way I see it. Just one view of many, though.
I also know the issue is common in all seater stadia. Back in the day all the singers could simply migrate to the middle of the Kop and do their thing. When you got older and were maybe less up for the chaos in the middle you'd migrate out to the wings. Eventually you'd probably end up with a ticket in the stands whilst upcoming youngsters took your place in the Kop. That natural flow has stopped now. There is no middle to migrate to if you want to be vocal with like-minded people. The migration from Kop to stands seems to have slowed down drastically too. The most vocally inclined are now either in the pub, grasping around for tickets outside or actually in the ground but fragmented and dispersed all over the place rather than together.

For me, as an old timer, the Kop should always be involved and up for it. Hail or shine. To me, there is no excuse. But again, that's just me, and loads will disagree with me on that, and fair enough. 

[Paul1611]

A proper dickhead in the main stand last night. Picking out hendo time after time, shouting out insults (very unfunny) looking round laughing. I don’t get to matches very often and this twat actually tainted it a bit.  Never once sang or was positive. Why go?

[Timbo's Goals]

Glad it wasn't just me then Timbo - totally agree.

I read some of the posts on here and scratch my head in bewilderment to be honest mate. Do those posting/slagging off expect a big night time European atmosphere at normal league games - even when we're in a league title race? If so, their expectations are way off fucking beam. It's never been like that - even going back to the time when we invented terrace singing on the Kop in the '60's - and back then it was just the Kop [except inter Milan in '65] and the rest of the ground stood or sat like fucking dummies. Huge games or truly exciting games the Kop would be really up for it but for most it wasn't that much different to last night. If these guys want a constant din then they're best served going to Crystal Palace or to one of those German grounds with the fucking dickheads with drums and megaphones conducting the kids in monotonous droning.

[Thepooloflife]

I read some of the posts on here and scratch my head in bewilderment to be honest mate.......snip

Yep. Even this season at Anfield there's been flatter atmosphere's than last night......was it West Ham or Southampton (or both) ? But, you're right even during the glory years in the 70's and 80's there were some games that were almost like being in a morgue at times. I do think maybe these days of wall to wall football via the telly, that some 'fans' are more demanding and moan if they don't get what they believe they're 'entitled' to 'cos they've 'paid for it'. But, we need to keep the thing in perspective.....last night was by no means the worst I've come across at Anfield - far from it.

[Red_Mist]

Totally agree Red Mist

All things considered, given the multiple frustrations in much of our play after the opening 10 - 15 minutes, the atmosphere last night was pretty fucking good - albeit there certainly are far too many who attend these sort of games as watching spectators as distinct from supporting fans. This includes half a dozen of my own mates who for countless years now have struggled to summon up the passion to sing and chant no matter what's going down. I more than make up for their quietness but not once in all the years have I ever slagged them off for not being like me. Just different strokes I'm afraid to say.

But last night, there were numerous explosions of support and encouragement, often quite loud and sustained considering the difficulties the team were experiencing. So some of the comments on here are simply bollocks - perhaps from folks who weren't there - and do a huge disservice to those who did back the team - including me.

And as for the nervousness. Give me a fucking break. Of course it was fucking nervous. Stomach churlingly so. In many respects the point we got was a bonus as they could easily have grabbed a second goal.

I couldn’t get an effin stream to work so resorted to the dreaded radio 5 live (you think you were nervous at the match!! Try an over-excited Dion Dublin combined with a vivid imagination! “He must score....oh my goodness”....just tell us what’s happened ya twat!!!)

Anyway, sounded nervy and loud and all the things we know about Anfield, in other words that everyone was kicking every ball and reacting to the ebb and flow of the game. Completely engaged, unlike some orchestrated rubbish like you say.

It wasn’t awful or shameful. It was as expected when we’ve missed some early chances and Leicester fucking City (traditional bogey team as most Kopites will think of them) have (typically) obviously turned up for the first time in several games and Jamie ‘arold’ Vardy is hanging on the shoulder of the centre halves like a starving goal-hungry rat.

Despite all this, and a dodgy pitch looking like the aftermath of a mint imperial factory explosion, and brass monkeys having a day to forget all over the shop, despite all this the commentators regularly commented (very positively) on the atmosphere and how it was tangible and (in waves) very loud. And you could hear it too. There was plenty of moments in the second half when I thought, ‘we’re scoring here’ but Leicester didn’t wilt in the din and inevitably the nerves kick in again.

I was exhausted by the end and I wasn’t even there! Fair play to those that were and got behind the team on a freezing Wednesday night.

[gregorio]

Yep. Even this season at Anfield there's been flatter atmosphere's than last night......was it West Ham or Southampton (or both) ? But, you're right even during the glory years in the 70's and 80's there were some games that were almost like being in a morgue at times. I do think maybe these days of wall to wall football via the telly, that some 'fans' are more demanding and moan if they don't get what they believe they're 'entitled' to 'cos they've 'paid for it'. But, we need to keep the thing in perspective.....last night was by no means the worst I've come across at Anfield - far from it.

Yes, felt ok to me in 20&, a bit of nervousness but more like frustration really.

[MPowerYNWA]

When the team needed us we weren’t there last night - I said just the same in the thread after the game.

Anyone who went and didn’t sing or support should just give there ticket to someone else who will.

At least lift your damn scarves up for YNWA, can some people not even manage that?

I don’t get it and it annoys the hell out of me - I’m less concerned about what fans did in the 60s, this was a huge game and we should all as fans been up for it just as much as a European night.

[legendkiller]

I read some of the posts on here and scratch my head in bewilderment to be honest mate. Do those posting/slagging off expect a big night time European atmosphere at normal league games - even when we're in a league title race? If so, their expectations are way off fucking beam. It's never been like that - even going back to the time when we invented terrace singing on the Kop in the '60's - and back then it was just the Kop [except inter Milan in '65] and the rest of the ground stood or sat like fucking dummies. Huge games or truly exciting games the Kop would be really up for it but for most it wasn't that much different to last night. If these guys want a constant din then they're best served going to Crystal Palace or to one of those German grounds with the fucking dickheads with drums and megaphones conducting the kids in monotonous droning.

Think its a 28 year wait and the position we are in . Instead of the moaning and abusing  our captain could we try and drive them on . They needed a lift not the groans for last 20 mins . Point could be massive end of season . One guy started beating seats near me at the full time whistle . Make them feel special as players . If it does not happen then of course bitch to mates , take to social media etc but support at the right times does help .

[Timbo's Goals]

Think its a 28 year wait and the position we are in . Instead of the moaning and abusing  our captain could we try and drive them on . They needed a lift not the groans for last 20 mins . Point could be massive end of season . One guy started beating seats near me at the full time whistle . Make them feel special as players . If it does not happen then of course bitch to mates , take to social media etc but support at the right times does help .

Christ mate - there's always been moaning and groaning at footy games. I learnt that when I was in my teens on the Kop. I remember regularly defending Gordon Milne and Roger Hunt against the moaners when those players were on the downward slope but you're never going to stop them who moan from moaning and groaning. Some people just do it and to be fair last night there were loads of unforced errors/shortcomings which even had Kloppie himself joining the moaners and groaners. The main thing was, however, the crowd [or those of us who do sing and chant even in the main Stand] never stopped trying to urge the team on. If you doubt me then watch the BT re-run of the game. The support throughout is clear as a bell. And in such a game as last night with the multitude of frustrations it coughed up you're simply never going to get much more than that.

Best to lower your expectations I'd say. Or wait for the big Euro nights and hope we don't make as many unforced errors as last night.

[Ski]

I’m just gonna say my piece and then leave it here:

WE ALL REALLY WANT THIS SO BAD! We’ve waited such a long time and this year feels like we have a really good chance. The manager and players have done brilliantly to get us into this position and, up to the other night, the support has been magnificent but on Wednesday night it got really nervy. It was because, despite being ahead, the team seemed to have stepped off a little (the conditions didn’t help at all) and Leicester were getting back into it. Maybe conceding 3 in the last home game against palace (when previously we’ve looked almost impregnable) and other 1st choice defenders being out contributed to it too but it got really nervy. Even quite early on the cameras were panning to the stands and you could see then angst on the faces of the supporters.

What I ask is: If it’s like this now with us 5pts ahead and 14 games still to go, what’s it going to be like in May when we’re down to the last couple games and there might only be the odd point or 2 in it?

I realise how easy it is for me to say it watching at home but I implore the match going support – please fight the urge when it gets tight & nervy to audibly pass on your fears and angst to the team. I get it - it’s only human nature in the circumstances we’re in but it really isn’t helping if it filters down to the players. They and the manager have been doing their bit all season getting us to where we are. It’s our turn now to back them to the hilt with our unswerving support! We’re all in this together manager, players and us.

As much as I loved the pre-game bus welcomes in 13/14 near the end, and chants of “we’re gonna win the league” I really don’t want those things this time as I think, although positive and meant to be a display of our support, it just heaps more pressure on the lads too. It’s too early just now.

I watch our games with mates who are Reds and we’re a mixed bunch. I’m trying to remain sanguine, largely because the other 2 I watch with get very twitchy even about the potential of us dropping points. The other night was tough. I was trying to be the positive one when they started the bed-wetting post-final whistle. I’m usually very nervous too but they make me look and sound like a ray of sunshine .

I get ribbed by colleagues at work who support other teams in the top6 and am just ignoring them most of the time. My consistent line (as a joke has been – WE ARE NOT IN A TITLE RACE!) I’m trying to enjoy this ride we’re on, I really am but it’s hard because of what’s at stake. I’m 45 later this month so was around 15 the last time we won it and back then I never thought it’d be so long before we had even a chance of winning it again. I want this so bad for so many reasons too now. I’m a father of 2 and both kids are Reds. The eldest has seen us win the CC a few years back but other than that we’ve come up short in other finals and the previous challenge 5yrs ago. I so want them to experience what it feels like for us to win big too.

Anyways, I digress. Back to the match. Again, if you go the game (you lucky sods) please don’t give in to your natural instincts to moan & vent when it’s not necessarily going our way but instead do your best to get behind the lads and sing them home. They need us now more than they’ve ever needed us! Please don’t put the fear of god into them, the fear that we’re going to throw away this amazing chance we have to finally win the league and all in a year when we’re up against this ridiculously talented City side who are supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread (much of the hype justified by their achievements last season). We’ve only lost 1 game this year. They’ve lost 4 so try not to get caught up in what the media and other fans say. We’re the team in pole position. They’d swap what they currently have with what we have in a heartbeat.

I’m hoping we’ve gotten the nerves out of our system (the supporters, I mean) from the other night and it’ll be very different next time we step out at Anfield. The manager shouldn’t have to turn behind him and calm every one down. We’ve read VVD’s interview and should heed his words – EVERYONE JUST CALM THE FUCK DOWN! (however difficult that may be) and channel your energies into supporting the lads as best you can.

That’s it. That’s me. Thanks for reading & let’s fucking do this together!!

[Timbo's Goals]

I’m just gonna say my piece and then leave it here:

WE ALL REALLY WANT THIS SO BAD! We’ve waited such a long time and this year feels like we have a really good chance. The manager and players have done brilliantly to get us into this position and, up to the other night, the support has been magnificent but on Wednesday night it got really nervy. It was because, despite being ahead, the team seemed to have stepped off a little (the conditions didn’t help at all) and Leicester were getting back into it. Maybe conceding 3 in the last home game against palace (when previously we’ve looked almost impregnable) and other 1st choice defenders being out contributed to it too but it got really nervy. Even quite early on the cameras were panning to the stands and you could see then angst on the faces of the supporters.

What I ask is: If it’s like this now with us 5pts ahead and 14 games still to go, what’s it going to be like in May when we’re down to the last couple games and there might only be the odd point or 2 in it?

I realise how easy it is for me to say it watching at home but I implore the match going support – please fight the urge when it gets tight & nervy to audibly pass on your fears and angst to the team. I get it - it’s only human nature in the circumstances we’re in but it really isn’t helping if it filters down to the players. They and the manager have been doing their bit all season getting us to where we are. It’s our turn now to back them to the hilt with our unswerving support! We’re all in this together manager, players and us.

As much as I loved the pre-game bus welcomes in 13/14 near the end, and chants of “we’re gonna win the league” I really don’t want those things this time as I think, although positive and meant to be a display of our support, it just heaps more pressure on the lads too. It’s too early just now.

I watch our games with mates who are Reds and we’re a mixed bunch. I’m trying to remain sanguine, largely because the other 2 I watch with get very twitchy even about the potential of us dropping points. The other night was tough. I was trying to be the positive one when they started the bed-wetting post-final whistle. I’m usually very nervous too but they make me look and sound like a ray of sunshine .

I get ribbed by colleagues at work who support other teams in the top6 and am just ignoring them most of the time. My consistent line (as a joke has been – WE ARE NOT IN A TITLE RACE!) I’m trying to enjoy this ride we’re on, I really am but it’s hard because of what’s at stake. I’m 45 later this month so was around 15 the last time we won it and back then I never thought it’d be so long before we had even a chance of winning it again. I want this so bad for so many reasons too now. I’m a father of 2 and both kids are Reds. The eldest has seen us win the CC a few years back but other than that we’ve come up short in other finals and the previous challenge 5yrs ago. I so want them to experience what it feels like for us to win big too.

Anyways, I digress. Back to the match. Again, if you go the game (you lucky sods) please don’t give in to your natural instincts to moan & vent when it’s not necessarily going our way but instead do your best to get behind the lads and sing them home. They need us now more than they’ve ever needed us! Please don’t put the fear of god into them, the fear that we’re going to throw away this amazing chance we have to finally win the league and all in a year when we’re up against this ridiculously talented City side who are supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread (much of the hype justified by their achievements last season). We’ve only lost 1 game this year. They’ve lost 4 so try not to get caught up in what the media and other fans say. We’re the team in pole position. They’d swap what they currently have with what we have in a heartbeat.

I’m hoping we’ve gotten the nerves out of our system (the supporters, I mean) from the other night and it’ll be very different next time we step out at Anfield. The manager shouldn’t have to turn behind him and calm every one down. We’ve read VVD’s interview and should heed his words – EVERYONE JUST CALM THE FUCK DOWN! (however difficult that may be) and channel your energies into supporting the lads as best you can.

That’s it. That’s me. Thanks for reading & let’s fucking do this together!!

Ski - Your earnestness is clear to see and I can see that watching it on the telly from far away you have the urge to try to tell everyone there how to react.

But let's get some reality to set in here.

If Liverpool play against a really decent side, packed with top players who are really up for it to show that they're as good individually and collectively as Liverpool are. And if we happen to have several or more players who are under-performing in that same game. And if the conditions happen to favour the team who are in essence sitting back and waiting to pounce. And if all this results in a really tight game where we are making tons of nervy unforced errors. If all this is the case then I'm afraid to tell you that no matter how much you wish it to be otherwise a decent portion of the crowd is going to behave like a paranoid expectant father in the maternity ward. It's just the way it is: the way it always has been; and the way it's always going to be.

On the positive side, however, I can reassure the likes of yourself - someone who we used to term a "pink echo supporter" back in the day - that the crowd was nowhere near collectively as bad as it seems to have come across on your TV. Obviously the TV folks are delighted to try and crank up the tension. But honestly the support from those of us who do actively sing and chant even in the Main Stand was pretty damn good all things considered - as myself and a few others have already testified.

So honestly mate - it's you who needs to  and accept the fact that in any crowd of human beings in such circumstances huge tension, moaning and groaning is just as much a part of the match atmosphere as singing and chanting. Always was and always will be. So don't be fooled by TV presentations which may try on their melodramatic shenanigans by focussing on the more nervous and least supportive sections of the Anfield clientele - who although they certainly exist are by no means fully representative.

[Ski]

Ski - Your earnestness is clear to see and I can see that watching it on the telly from far away you have the urge to try to tell everyone there how to react.

But let's get some reality to set in here.

If Liverpool play against a really decent side, packed with top players who are really up for it to show that they're as good individually and collectively as Liverpool are. And if we happen to have several or more players who are under-performing in that same game. And if the conditions happen to favour the team who are in essence sitting back and waiting to pounce. And if all this results in a really tight game where we are making tons of nervy unforced errors. If all this is the case then I'm afraid to tell you that no matter how much you wish it to be otherwise a decent portion of the crowd is going to behave like a paranoid expectant father in the maternity ward. It's just the way it is: the way it always has been; and the way it's always going to be.

On the positive side, however, I can reassure the likes of yourself - someone who we used to term a "pink echo supporter" back in the day - that the crowd was nowhere near collectively as bad as it seems to have come across on your TV. Obviously the TV folks are delighted to try and crank up the tension. But honestly the support from those of us who do actively sing and chant even in the Main Stand was pretty damn good all things considered - as myself and a few others have already testified.

So honestly mate - it's you who needs to  and accept the fact that in any crowd of human beings in such circumstances huge tension, moaning and groaning is just as much a part of the match atmosphere as singing and chanting. Always was and always will be. So don't be fooled by TV presentations which may try on their melodramatic shenanigans by focussing on the more nervous and least supportive sections of the Anfield clientele - who although they certainly exist are by no means fully representative.

Thanks for the reply Timbo. I appreciate it and glad it wasn’t as bad as how it came across on the tv or as others were making it out to be. Honestly, I do get it and wouldn’t dream of telling others what to do, if that’s how it came across I apologise. What I said was with best intentions. We’re a collective and all in this together. Like everyone else, I just want us all pulling in the same direction but totally understand how atmospheres ebb and flow based on so many factors. Anyway, as I said, glad it wasn’t as bad as it came across and will pay less attention to tv cameras focussing on a few who may be having a hard time of it and more on the collective.

[Fitzy.]

Liverpool v Burnley just been moved from Saturday 9 March 3pm to Sunday 10 March midday.

Hardly a good one for the atmosphere. I was at the Fulham one earlier this season and it was just too early!

[KingKolo]

Liverpool v Burnley just been moved from Saturday 9 March 3pm to Sunday 10 March midday.

Hardly a good one for the atmosphere. I was at the Fulham one earlier this season and it was just too early!

Yeah, I spotted that.

Not ideal, especially against a team like Burnley. A nasty mix of people expecting us to win easily and them being good at setting up to frustrate.

Proper banana skin. I fuckin hate midday kick offs.

[KingKolo]

On the positive side, however, I can reassure the likes of yourself - someone who we used to term a "pink echo supporter" back in the day - that the crowd was nowhere near collectively as bad as it seems to have come across on your TV. Obviously the TV folks are delighted to try and crank up the tension. But honestly the support from those of us who do actively sing and chant even in the Main Stand was pretty damn good all things considered - as myself and a few others have already testified.

You're totally right about the TV giving a distorted picture, but inside the ground it wasn't great the other night.

[Timbo's Goals]

Thanks for the reply Timbo. I appreciate it and glad it wasn’t as bad as how it came across on the tv or as others were making it out to be. Honestly, I do get it and wouldn’t dream of telling others what to do, if that’s how it came across I apologise. What I said was with best intentions. We’re a collective and all in this together. Like everyone else, I just want us all pulling in the same direction but totally understand how atmospheres ebb and flow based on so many factors. Anyway, as I said, glad it wasn’t as bad as it came across and will pay less attention to tv cameras focussing on a few who may be having a hard time of it and more on the collective.

Just quickly read the footy section in tonight's Echo and James Pearce is echoing the sentiments expressed by yourself and others in the thread about the crowd's anxiety trasnsmitting itself to the players especially when the groans follow a misplaced pass. He reckons Kloppie turned around to bollock the crowd at one point for groaning after Sadio misplaced a pass. Also Virgil was interviewed after the game and commented on him sensing the crowd's nervousness.

Not sure what to say.

If it's an attempt either of Pearce himself or Kloppie via Pearce to persuade some of those who do have a tendency to moan and groan to stop doing so when it's a tight game and the tension is racking up and stupid errors are being made, then fair enough. Good luck with it. I pray it works. However, based on my own Anfield experiences over 50 odd years I'll bet a pound to a pinch of shit that it's not going to succeed if the flow of the game replicates Wednesday night's nailbiter when we came so close to dropping all three points on more than one occasion - and mainly down to our own sloppiness.

I'd have thought myself the better option would have been for Pearce and presumably Kloppie [via Pearce] to accentuate the positive and lavish some well deserved praise on those who did support the team and appeal for those less supportive ones - including the likes of my own mates - to do likewise.

Incidentally Ski, don't get me wrong I crave the huge noisy days/nights and I do agree that the ideal for ensuring maximum home points is for Anfield to be a cauldron of noisy positivity like on the very best Euro nights. Fingers crossed we get something along those lines. But if the games pan out along the lines of Wednesday night then I fear that Pearce, Kloppie and Virgil are going to have to put up with a mixture of support and groaning. Maybe the ball's actually in their court and they need to persuade Robbo or anyone to go on a few Arsenal-like 200 yard mad dashes around the pitch to inject some life into some of the cardboard cut-out dummies who need a bomb underneath them, my own mates included.

[Timbo's Goals]

You're totally right about the TV giving a distorted picture, but inside the ground it wasn't great the other night.

Agreed mate. It was by no means 'great'. But mixed with the groaning and sighing there was still plenty of support from start to finish considering how the game panned out and the relative paucity of our usual attacking verve.