Paul Scholes has made an interesting observation about the atmosphere at Anfield — and it is difficult to completely disagree with him.
Speaking about the difference between visiting Liverpool during the Jurgen Klopp era and the current situation, Scholes pointed towards the role the supporters used to play.
“When you go to Liverpool, especially when James was there, when Jurgen Klopp was there. The crowd played such a major part, it feels like that’s gone. I don’t think the fans are quite on board at the minute.”
There is certainly something worth discussing in those comments.
Anyone who watched Liverpool regularly during Klopp’s reign will remember how intimidating Anfield could become. The supporters weren’t simply watching the game — they felt like they were part of it.
European nights in particular became famous for the noise, the intensity and the belief that Anfield could somehow drag Liverpool over the line.
And James Milner was one of the players who seemed to understand that relationship with the supporters better than most.
Milner’s commitment, intensity and willingness to give everything for the shirt made him a favourite with the Kop. He represented the sort of mentality that supporters could connect with.
But Scholes’ bigger point is about the atmosphere around the club now.
Liverpool are in a new era under Andoni Iraola. A new manager, new players, a different style of football and huge expectations following everything that happened during the Klopp years.
Perhaps supporters are still waiting to be convinced.
That doesn’t mean Liverpool fans have suddenly stopped backing the team. Far from it.
But there does seem to be a different mood around Anfield at the moment. When performances aren’t convincing, the crowd can become restless much quicker — particularly when supporters have spent years watching a Liverpool side that played with such intensity and personality.
And that creates a difficult situation for Iraola.
The manager needs time to build his own team, but he also needs the supporters behind him while that process takes place.
Anfield at its best can be an enormous advantage for Liverpool.
The challenge now is getting that connection between the team and the supporters back.
Because Scholes is right about one thing: when Anfield is fully behind Liverpool, it can feel like an extra player.
Iraola will desperately want to bring that feeling back.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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