Jürgen Klopp (55) was actually in a good mood, answering the questions at the press conference before Liverpool FC’s Champions League opener at SSC Naples in the usual humorous manner. But then one question drove him completely nuts…
A journalist wanted to know from the coach whether it could be dangerous for Reds fans in the Italian port city. Whereupon Klopp snapped at him: “That’s an embarrassing question from you! They want to make headlines. I really don’t understand. Are you from Naples? Do you think it’s a dangerous city? I dont know. I don’t live a normal life in Naples. I’m being protected, I’m going to a hotel, and now you’re asking me what I think of Naples?”
Liverpool FC had called on their fans to be careful via social networks themselves. Manager Andy Hughes said: “First of all, and this is very important, especially in terms of everyone’s safety, we advise our fans not to make their own way to the stadium. This advice comes from both the Italian police and the British Embassy in Naples.”
Hughes continued: I understand that fans want to make this journey an experience. In this case, however, I ask the fans not to wander around the city on their own or to show the club colors during their stay in Naples.
Despite the Liverpool manager’s warning, Klopp had little sympathy for questions about security: “You know exactly what we are talking about here. It’s about very specific fans meeting other very specific fans and then something can happen. But that has nothing to do with the city. But I’m not here to give you headlines.”
Too late…
Liverpool FC’s concern is also based on the fact that the club’s fans got into a riot in Paris less than four months ago – through no fault of their own. Before the Champions League final in Paris (0-1 against Real Madrid), there were chaotic scenes involving numerous supporters of the club. Police officers used pepper spray.
