21 January 2023 , 12:21
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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard admitted he would "love to get stuck right in" against Chelsea when asked to comment on Jurgen Klopp's "really off-putting" pre-game tactic.
Reds manager Klopp has made a habit over the years of standing on the touchline and staring at the opposition team warming up before matches, rather than observing his own side completing drills.
It was Glenn Murray who first brought attention to it back in 2020 when he was at Brighton. "Klopp does this thing before the game, I don't know if anyone's noticed it. So he'll walk right up to the halfway line and stand right on the spot and he'll just stare into the opposition half. It's really off-putting," the now-retired striker explained to TalkSport.
"He just stands on the halfway line and just watches the opposition warm up.
"It really throws you the first time it happens because you're like, 'What is he doing? He's not even looking at his own team, he's just watching us.' He won't break his view, he'll just keep watching the whole time."
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Steven Gerrard is providing BT Sport analysis from Anfield (BT Sport)Liverpool take on Chelsea in the Premier League this Saturday and ahead of the match - just along from where Gerrard, who is providing analysis for BT Sport with Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and presenter Lynsey Hipgrave - Klopp could be seen staring at the Blues players warming up at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp stares down the Chelsea players ahead of the match (PA)Hipgrave immediately asked Gerrard about the focus and preparation of players - with Klopp staring at them - before a huge match like this.
The former Reds captain played down Murray's previous comments, explaining that Klopp's tactic probably won't have too much of an impact on individuals.
"I think it should already be done [the preparation], [this fixture is a] big rivalry over the years but when it gets to this stage and you're close to kick-off your motivation should one sky high."
He added: "I'd love to get stuck right in I tell you."