Jurgen Klopp Criticised By Some Fans After Raging At Those Singing His Song

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticised by some fans after raging at those singing his song on Saturday, with the Reds boss having previously explained why he preferred fans not to sing it until after games.

The incident occurred in the 74th minute of Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. During a spell of possession, supporters began to sing Klopp’s song, “I’m so glad, that Jurgen is a Red”, to the tune of The Beatles’ ‘I Feel Fine’. However, the manager gestured to supporters to stop, clearly furious.

Klopp was even heard during the international broadcast of the Premier League game saying: “Can you stop singing that shit? Can you stop!?” His comments were not universally appreciated by fans, with many – including those at the game – critical of Klopp’s stance.

Reactions To Klopp’s Comments

Reactions to Klopp’s comments were mixed, with some feeling that he was being ungrateful towards fans who had designed the song to pay tribute to him. Others argued that Klopp doesn’t get to decide what the fans sing, and that he was being too literal in his interpretation of the song.

Klopp’s Explanation

Speaking in April, Klopp explained why he preferred fans not to sing it until after games. He said: “If you want to sing it, sing it after the game in the bar, wherever. Because it’s almost like we’re closing the game, we are 3-0 up [after 15 minutes] and they start ‘I’m so glad Jurgen is a Red’ and I thought: ‘It’s not over’. So, it would be really nice if you could leave that for later.”

It does explain, to an extent, why Klopp was furious with fans on Saturday, as though his side were 3-1 up, there were still 16 minutes to play with 10 men. Alexis Mac Allister had received a red card, and though Diogo Jota’s goal came after that, there was still a risk of Bournemouth fighting back. That is particularly the case given the uncertainty over stoppage time under new directives this season, with six minutes ultimately added on.

Debate To Be Had Over Whether Klopp Was Right Or Not

There is certainly a debate to be had over whether Klopp was right or not, but his insistence over the song earlier this year does make sense – he simply does not want complacency to creep in. It is understandable that he would be frustrated with fans singing his song when there was still a chance of the game turning around.

Ultimately, it is up to fans to decide whether they agree with Klopp or not. But it is clear that he has a valid reason for wanting them to wait until after games before singing his song.