Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was disappointed with the atmosphere created by the local fans at Anfield during his team’s 5-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over West Ham. Just three days after Gary Neville said that “the atmosphere was the worst I’ve ever seen at Anfield for a Liverpool-Manchester United game,” Klopp slammed Liverpool’s home fans.

The Liverpool manager also issued a rallying cry for fans to make a much bigger noise for the crucial visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday. Klopp’s comments come after the fact that the famous ground’s capacity has increased due to the expansion of the Anfield Road Stand.

Liverpool partially opened their newly renovated Anfield Road Stand for the first time, bringing the total attendance to 57,000, the highest in 50 years at the stadium.

“I have to say – it’s long ago that I said this – but I thought the first half a little bit, when the boys played really exceptional, I was not overly happy, I have to say, with the atmosphere behind me,” Klopp said.

“I don’t know. I don’t ask people, what do we want? We changed a lot of things. We dominated West Ham like crazy. We missed chances. And I mean, if I would be in the stand I would be on my toes, 1,000 per cent.

“I don’t know if the Man United game was that bad that we have to say, ‘oh sorry that we didn’t smash them’.

With leaders Arsenal set to visit on Saturday, Klopp said getting the right atmosphere was crucial.

“We need Anfield on Saturday. Without Anfield, I would say – after they (Arsenal) didn’t play this week just to make sure I know… Sorry they didn’t play. They prepare for this game and anyone who knows a little bit about them, they will be prepared.

“So, we need Anfield on their toes from the first second without me having an argument with the opposition coach. We need you from the first second. If you really want, if it’s too much football in December, I don’t know. Sorry we have to play it as well. But if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.”