Liverpool's eccentric head coach Jürgen Klopp had recently asked the team's fans to stop singing his name before their matches are over as it could lead to complacency from the players.
Caught Offside reported that the 49-year-old German bench tactician has "warned his fans against singing his name too soon during games" as the chant may result to "complacency", but he wants the fans to focus on supporting the players" throughout the match.
Fans at the Anfield started singing "Jürgen Klopp, la la la" after the Reds took a 3-1 lead over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City at the 56th minute following an Adam Lallana goal. The report said that Klopp "was spotted instructing fans to stop chanting his name" after the goal.
The game eventually ended in a 4-1 demolition in favor Liverpool.
The former Borussia Dortmund champion coach was all smiles after the match but then explained during the post-match interview that he does not want the players to feel complacent and celebrate too soon, thus risk losing games in the process.
"I have to say, because I don't know how else I can say this, please don't sing my name before the game is decided!" Klopp told reporters after the match, as per the Liverpool Echo. "Immediately when the Kop started singing 'Jurgen Klopp la la la' they were clear on Simon Mignolet. It's like celebrating a penalty before you have scored!"
"I don't play! It's nice, I like all the players, but please don't sing my name before the game is decided," he said.
Klopp then cited another game, this time against Arsenal which ended in a close 4-3 score, before repeating the appeal to Liverpool fans.
"It was the same against Arsenal. It's nice, but it's not necessary. It would be really nice if you could stop please!" Klopp said.
"I wanted to say this, because (at the time) nobody could understand me. I know it doesn't sound too smart, but sorry. That's me. It's very nice, thank you very much. But I've heard it often now!" the coach added.
Klopp continued to praise his players during the interview, saying that he is "on the side of the player" and nothing else. He also said that he is "responsible for bad performances, they are responsible for the good ones".
