Anfield’s atmosphere on Champions League nights is famous.
The chorus of You’ll Never Walk Alone under the lights is enough to pick up even the least motivated of players and the enthusiasm goes hand in hand with Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style.
Liverpool have already condemned one of the tournament favourites, Paris Saint-Germain, to defeat in their Champions League group opener on Tuesday night.
The crowd was electric throughout a dramatic 90 minutes which was closed out by a late winner from Roberto Firmino, securing Liverpool’s sixth win from six games this season.
But divisive contrarian Joey Barton has some criticism for Reds supporters as the Fleetwood Town manager, who is not afraid to voice a dissenting opinion, claims that the reason for Liverpool’s Premier League trophy drought is down to the fact that the club’s fans only give their all on European nights.
“The problem for Liverpool is the fans don’t get up for the league games in the same way as they do in the Champions League,” Barton told talkSPORT.
“Anfield has always had those special nights in Europe. The atmosphere with the flags and the flares is amazing.
“That’s why I think Liverpool have been better in Europe as opposed to the Premier League.
“They haven’t won a league title for 28 years now, and the reason why I think they got to the Champions League final last season was a lot down to the energy the fans gave the players.
“But, maybe it will be different this season.”
