Liverpool legend John Barnes ‘not happy’ with ‘negative’ and ‘edgy’ fans as pressure ramps up on title-chasing Reds
Anfield legend warns supporters the nervy atmosphere they create could start affecting their players at this crucial period of the season
Liverpool legend John Barnes has told ‘negative’ and ‘edgy’ fans to calm down as the Reds enter a crucial stage of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
The mood at Anfield was a little different to the usually raucous European nights on Tuesday evening, as Jurgen Klopp’s side drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
While the clash wouldn't have exactly set any crowd alight – even Klopp said it was ‘not a game you will remember in 20 years’– there appears to be growing sense of anxiousness within the Liverpool camp as the pressure ramps up on the team.
Liverpool have every chance of progressing to the quarter-finals in Europe, although there was very much a feeling of a big chance missed after squandering plenty of opportunities to score and take an advantage to Germany.
Meanwhile, in the league, Manchester City have clawed their way back to level terms at the top of the table and the Reds face a big test against Manchester United on Sunday to make their game in hand count and reclaim their lead.
And Barnes has sent a warning to supporters; that their nervousness may filter through to the players on the pitch if they don’t keep their emotions in check.
“It was disappointing last night, but I’m not particularly happy with a lot of the negative sounds coming from a few of the Liverpool fans,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“It’s not the end of the world, absolutely not. Of course it would have better had we won the game, but a 0-0 draw is the best draw you can get.
“It shows how far Liverpool have come, that people are disappointed with a 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich, who are a fantastic team.
LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
“And I think a lot of fans are looking at the Premier League and saying, ‘here we go again’, because Manchester City have caught us, but now is the time to hold your nerve.
“It’s not all doom and gloom for Liverpool. We’ll still be top of the league even if we get a draw in our game in hand and we’ve lost one league game all season.
“I’ve said all along, don’t get excited about how well or badly you’re doing until March and April, because that is when you need to hold your nerve, grind results out and stick together.”
Liverpool next face a trip to arch rivals Man United on Sunday in the latest big test of their title credentials, where they have the chance to go three points clear of City.
“Once again, this is the time to hold your nerve and Jurgen Klopp will make that point,” Barnes added.
“Man United have found form and it’s a harder game now than it would have been before Mourinho left, but they have to go there and play.
“The players have to keep their nerve and Jurgen will make sure they do that for the fans to keep their nerve, because if the fans are edgy that could go onto the field.”
Listen back to John Barnes on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast IN FULL above!
Live on talkSPORT
Manchester United v Liverpool is live on talkSPORT at 2pm on Sunday 24 February