Sunday's announcement of a new European Super League left Leeds United's home game against Liverpool on Monday night feeling like a little bit of an irrelevance, but there was a lot going on at Elland Road ahead of kick off.
Leeds' players took to the pitch to warm up wearing shirts that said "football is for the fans" on the back and "earn it" on the front, alongside the Champions League's logo.
Shirts were also left in the Liverpool dressing room, though Jurgen Klopp's side didn't wear them.
"I heard already there are warm-up shirts or whatever," Klopp said about the shirts. "We will not wear them because we cannot. But if somebody thinks he has to remind us you have to earn the Champions League, that's a real joke. It makes me angry."
Klopp was pressed on the matter and said that his feelings - which he has explained in the past are anti-Super League - remain the same.
"My feelings didn't change," Klopp added. "We - me and the players - were not involved in any process. I like that West Ham have the chance to play Champions League. The most important part of Liverpool is the supporters and team. We need to make sure that nothing gets in between that.
"I'm 53. Since I've been in professional football, the Champions League has been there. My aim was always to coach a team there. I have no issues with the Champions League. I don't know exactly why these 12 teams have done this."
A plane flew over Elland Road
The message was clear on the night with a message reading: "No to the Super League".
As well, Liverpool's bus was greeted with abusive chanting and jeering as they arrived at the stadium ahead of the game.
At Anfield, Liverpool fans left banners and messages expressing their frustration with the news.
guildersomespurs
0
very soon Leeds will be led back to championship. They crazy to post all that insults. Are they the ones to ask Liverpool to qualify for champions league? Where is Leeds on the table. They should worry about their status. I hate rubbish
Tool we 7pts behind Liverpool
guildersomespurs
0
Why does Klopp take Leeds' statement personally? If he is against the Super League than why does he refuse to stand alongside Leeds and make the same statement? He himself claims that he and the players have nothing to do with it and that he doesn't think that the Super League is a great idea. So why not oppose it?
Exactly my thoughts that same👏👏👏
capceipst
0
Why does Klopp take Leeds' statement personally? If he is against the Super League than why does he refuse to stand alongside Leeds and make the same statement? He himself claims that he and the players have nothing to do with it and that he doesn't think that the Super League is a great idea. So why not oppose it?
very soon Leeds will be led back to championship. They crazy to post all that insults. Are they the ones to ask Liverpool to qualify for champions league? Where is Leeds on the table. They should worry about their status. I hate rubbish
Viabilpsu
0
the thing is he and the players didn't even know about SL yet leeds protested against them, they even gave them warming up shirts with "you need to qualify for the UCL " slogan, and even a banner saying that in their Locke room, which is very unprofessional considering the players/staff didn't know about it
I agree with you that Leeds' approach might have been unprofessional, but still I don't think (or at least I hope) that they didn't necessarily intended it like a personal attack. And maybe Klopp shouldn't be blamed because it all has been too much for him to swallow, and being under such pressure he took it all too personally.
Tupdemrtu
0
Why does Klopp take Leeds' statement personally? If he is against the Super League than why does he refuse to stand alongside Leeds and make the same statement? He himself claims that he and the players have nothing to do with it and that he doesn't think that the Super League is a great idea. So why not oppose it?
the thing is he and the players didn't even know about SL yet leeds protested against them, they even gave them warming up shirts with "you need to qualify for the UCL " slogan, and even a banner saying that in their Locke room, which is very unprofessional considering the players/staff didn't know about it
Viabilpsu
3
Why does Klopp take Leeds' statement personally? If he is against the Super League than why does he refuse to stand alongside Leeds and make the same statement? He himself claims that he and the players have nothing to do with it and that he doesn't think that the Super League is a great idea. So why not oppose it?
Longlife2000
3
FT: Premier League 1-1 Super League
Latainopty
0
How many small clubs are playingin the championsleague
Hrishik
1
super league is not about teams but about buismesman owners
DennisQuintonJr10
1
opponents against LIVERPOOL nowadays, even at anfield no more threats!!
CMOR
0
The super league has come to stay The earlier it is accepted the better Football nowadays is business
Fewbiln
1
what is wrong with you guys pls.come, Liverpool begins walk alone really.
Humbleboy1
6
I love Leeds United, Football is for the FANS.
Aziff2020
1
Liverpool and TOP 4 be like [byebye][byebye]
Efemeshach07
2
Liverpool nor longer bothered for UCLtop 4 since the have hope of of incoming ESL
jezabdnpyz
0
Klopp And His Players Got Nothing To Do With This Super League Project. It's Not Like They Have A Say It. The Decision Is On The Owner And The Board. The Same Applied To The Other 1️⃣1️⃣ Teams Involved. [Sadtolook]
Leo_Phili
0
Man i just heard that they might replace UCL semi finalist with Porto, Bayern and Bvb. This is 100% rumours but you never know🙎♀️
it’s not a rumour. it was confirmed
kocmpsu
5
Man i just heard that they might replace UCL semi finalist with Porto, Bayern and Bvb. This is 100% rumours but you never know🙎♀️
pabloarmah
2
Just when you thought you've seen it all in 2020 than boom!!! 2021 surprised you again😢😢 What a sad day for the beautiful game😥😥😥