Klopp’s Pre-Match Ritual: Six Liverpool Players Forbidden from Touching ‘This Is Anfield’ Sign

Jurgen Klopp has set a unique precedent by prohibiting six Liverpool players from partaking in the time-honored tradition of touching the iconic ‘This Is Anfield’ sign before matches. This sign, steeped in history, has graced Anfield for over half a century, initially installed by the legendary Bill Shankly.

Shankly’s words, which forever etched the sign’s significance, resonate across the footballing world: “It’s there to remind our lads who they’re playing for and to remind the opposition who they’re playing against!”

While the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign has undergone three replacements over the years, its historical value remains intact to this day. It has silently witnessed Liverpool’s ascent to greatness, including their 19 league titles, sixth European Cup, ninth league cup, eighth FA Cup, fourth Super Cup, and first Club World Cup, all in the past decade alone.

Traditionally, Liverpool’s players would touch the sign as they entered the field, carrying the legacy of those who came before them. However, Klopp has imposed a distinctive rule that withholds this privilege from six players who, in his view, have yet to earn it.

Reflecting on his decision back in 2016, during the early stages of his Liverpool managerial tenure, Klopp explained: “I’ve told my players not to touch the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign until they win something! It’s a sign of respect. I touched it when I was the manager of Borussia Dortmund, but we lost 4-0.”

As things currently stand, this rule applies to four summer signings: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch. Additionally, since Liverpool failed to secure any silverware last season, it extends to two more players: January signing Cody Gakpo and the emerging talent Stefan Bajcetic.

Klopp’s decision adds a layer of intrigue and motivation for these players, making the act of touching the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign not just a tradition but a symbol of achievement and recognition, reserved for those who have truly earned it.