Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanki was surprised by how quiet Anfield was in the hours leading up to the game against Liverpool on October 16.
The Switzerland international arrived at the Etihad this summer from Borussia Dortmund - a club that shares a close connection with the Reds. The two teams have 'You'll Never Walk Alone' as one of their anthems and are famous for their home support.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp managed Dortmund from 2008 to 2015 before replacing Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. He cited the culture and the emotional connection with the football club as the reasons for choosing them as his next club.
Hence, it is understandable why Akanji came into the game at Anfield expecting a raucous reception. However, he said he was bemused by why the stadium was silent. He said after the full-time whistle (h/t Echo):
"Before the game, when we walked into the stadium for our warm-up, it was so quiet. No booing or anything. I told Erling [Haaland] I thought it was weird. I expected it would be really crowded and the mood against us. But I felt nothing at all."
He added:
"We came back in before the game and I talked to Riyad Mahrez as well. He was sitting right next to me. I was like, 'Is it always like this here? Everybody talks so highly of Anfield and I don’t really see it'."
Riyad Mahrez told him to wait to see how loud the stadium gets when the game kicks off, and he proved to be right. Akanji added:
"He just told me to wait until the game started and then when it did I was like a different atmosphere completely. Particularly in the second half when our goal was disallowed and they scored. It was really, really loud then."
Liverpool fail to build on their big win against Manchester City and West Ham
As Akanji's aforementioned comments highlight, Liverpool fans help their team massively at home. Phil Foden's second-half goal being ruled out was just the catalyst they needed to spur the Reds to a positive result.
Mohamed Salah's 76th-minute strike meant the game finished 1-0. Another win by the same scoreline at the same venue followed against West Ham United three days later.
The Reds are unbeaten at home in the league this season - winning four and drawing two of their six games at Anfield. They are, however, yet to win on the road in the competition (two draws, three losses).
Their most recent setback came against Nottingham Forest on October 22, where they lost 1-0 at the City Ground. Liverpool are now seventh in the table and in urgent need of turning around their away form to salvage this season.
Utwo
0
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
Haha, hey bro you must be really stupid. You think a stadium gets its reputation due to sound. Behind a stadium there exists a history, it has nothing to do with capacity. The more people enjoy in it, the more positive the stadium absorbs. It's like you enter a house and you know right away that no one has been living in it for some time, coz you just feel it. You can have a big stadium like Wembley or others but Anfield will always be the most vibrant in England, since the club has win so many. Brainstorming will do you good.
Yahbcdkmy
0
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
the funniest thing I have read all day! go take your medicine you fool ha ha
Yusbdepryz
0
You are partially right. To produce sound in some stadium is easy while in some others is difficult
You must be a big fool confusing your self and you just explained what my point is all about I said it's easier for the noise to get very loud due to the little capacity anfield has compared to places like Emirates or Old Trafford or even Camp Nou Stadium. Capish?
kababdkz
0
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
If that makes you feel better 😂
Djekkenckk
1
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
You are partially right. To produce sound in some stadium is easy while in some others is difficult
Yusbdepryz
0
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
Dog brain at least cow is useful to humanity.
Zakacioz
0
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
Cow brain
Yusbdepryz
1
Their stadium is overrated the only reason it's that loud is because anfield capacity is not even as huge as Etihad so it's easy to get echoe.
Unitedforlife6
1
It's not easy to match the yellow wall🟡⚫
beoaelmoz
0
Red will beat mancity again cheat codes
pouacmnptz
0
it's only noisier when Liverpool winning pure cowards if they loose it's even harder to see Liverpool's fans
You only have talk because of your oil money so stop the hating and hyping
Mpumey
0
it's only noisier when Liverpool winning pure cowards if they loose it's even harder to see Liverpool's fans
Illyrian
0
There are no Turks at Anfield to boo, to whistle and to swear like they do at Iduna park
Javimor
1
Overrated stadium Selhurst Park is much more intimidating
Ghost_69
2
I guess Mahrez was right.. they’ll come to Etihad and witness real loudness.!!!