Liverpool endured a frosty reception at Leeds for their Premier League game on Monday night, where their midtable opponents wore t-shirts with slogans reading “football is for the fans” following the shock news that the Reds are one of five English clubs to break away from established competitions to form a new multi-billion dollar league.
Klopp said his players had been challenged by members of the public, and Leeds players also wore a slogan reading “earn it” – a reference to the idea that the competition will largely dispense with qualification on merit. Banners were also seen in the stands while a plane brandishing a banner flew over Elland Road.
“I heard about it for the first time yesterday,” admitted Klopp in terse post-match remarks to Sky Sports in which he also denied rumors that he will resign over the issue and said he felt responsible for the relationship the club has with its largely outraged fans.