Liverpool Football Club, renowned for its passionate home fans at Anfield, has seen numerous memorable games. However, one game stands out in particular for former manager Jurgen Klopp - the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Anfield is not just a football ground; it is a fortress where the 62,000-strong crowd often acts as the 12th man on the field. Their fervor and support have led to some incredible nights for Liverpool FC. This was particularly evident during mid-week European nights when their enthusiasm reached new heights.
During his nine-year tenure with Liverpool FC, Jurgen Klopp experienced many highs and some lows with the club. Yet one European night at Anfield remains etched in his memory - a night when he felt that no force could stop his team from winning.
Memorable night against Borussia Dortmund
Klopp took over as manager from Brendan Rodgers two months into the 2014-15 season. In that same season, he found himself facing his former club, Dortmund in the Europa League quarter-finals of 2016/17 season.
Jurgen Klopp, Former Liverpool manager, said:
'I felt nobody could stop us'
The second leg of this tie played at Anfield holds special significance for Klopp. He described that night's atmosphere as 'the best he has ever experienced'. The home supporters roared and expressed their emotions like never before to get behind their team in need.
Jurgen Klopp added:
"The atmosphere was the best I have ever experienced. It should serve as an example to everyone about how supporters can influence a team and influence a game. The last half an hour against Dortmund [in the Europa League at Anfield] is the best I’ve ever had. I felt nobody could stop us. I wasn’t sure we would score a goal, but it was crazy."
Despite trailing on away goals rule and needing to win this game desperately, there was an air of uncertainty whether they would be able to score enough goals to secure their place in semi-final or not. However, it all came down to a stoppage-time winner from Dejan Lovren at Kop end which turned things around dramatically for Liverpool FC.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Match
Looking back on that unforgettable night, Klopp expressed his admiration for the home supporters who did their best to rally behind the team. He admitted that he wasn't entirely sure whether they would be able to help the team score the goals they needed. But as we know, hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Jurgen Klopp's recollection of this memorable game serves as a testament to Liverpool FC's indomitable spirit and Anfield's electrifying atmosphere. It also underscores how passionate fans can indeed become an influential '12th man' on those special European nights at Anfield.
