Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans have an excellent relationship but that hasn't stopped the German from making a request to the Kop ahead of Liverpool's next match at Anfield.
For some time now, Liverpool fans have been urging Joe Gomez to shoot every time the defender has made his way into the opposition half. The reason being that Gomez, who recently labelled Liverpool fans as the best in the world, is yet to score a goal for the Reds despite signing for the club nine years ago.
However, Klopp has had enough and he has urged the Liverpool faithful to ditch the well-intended, but counterproductive, shouts. Speaking after Liverpool's FA Cup victory over Southampton, Klopp said:
“Can I ask the people, as funny as it is… shoot. Leave the boy alone, one day he will shoot, and he will find the moment himself. If he shoots from 40 yards just because the people are calling then I will really get a bit angry but what a boy, what a game. Absolutely exceptional.”
Gomez has had a few efforts at goal this season from distance, including one last night which went well wide of the post. The England international was forced to play in midfield last night due to Liverpool's injury crisis and if he continues in the role then he could find that more natural goalscoring opportunities come his way.
Klopp brilliant here on Joe Gomez
“What a boy. What a game. Absolutely exceptional”…
As EVERYONE has been saying stop shouting “Shoot!”
Even the manager’s asking now pic.twitter.com/KBlsX5Exgt
— Sean Rogers (@Sean_Rogers) February 28, 2024
Liverpool fans agree with Klopp
There are plenty of Liverpool fans who have found the “shoot” shouts for Gomez annoying for a while now so the comments from Klopp have gone down well.
One fan took to X to say: “Absolutely buzzing Klopp had a go at the fans who shout SHOOT every single time Joe Gomez gets the ball. Last night was absolutely pathetic the amount of times it happened.”
Another Liverpool fan said: “If you shout “shoot” to Gomez constantly, ask yourself why you’re doing it. It’s not funny. It’s not light-hearted bants. It’s not helpful. It’s moronic and even Klopp thinks you’re an idiot.”
However, some fans weren't overly impressed with the comments. One Liverpool supporter said: “I didn’t know there were rules as to what fans can or can’t do in the ground. It’s been happening way before Klopp or Gomez arrived – fans having a bit of fun and enjoying the game like fans are supposed to.”