Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool fans to ‘set a new level’ in match day atmosphere.
This weekend’s visit of Manchester City will be the first time supporters have been present at Anfield for the top-of-the-table clash since November 2019.
Pep Guardiola admitted the Reds’ home was ‘completely different’ without a crowd after his side ran out produced a 4-1 rout over their hosts in February.
And Klopp has called on the Anfield faithful to raise the bar of standards as they prepare to welcome the reigning Premier League champions on Sunday.
He said: “I think two years ago, probably, I said that we need an atmosphere where even the guys that sell the hot dogs has to be on its toes.
“That’s what we need to be again. I know a long time without each other, I don’t need to ask for that – the people were exceptional since we were back.
“I’ve loved each second. But everybody who’s in the stadium on Sunday knows it all makes only really sense when we do it together.
“I really would like to say let’s give it a proper try altogether and let’s be as powerful a unit as we can be.
“Everybody knows we need it but if we get it then we have a better chance so let’s make a really special game of it.
“Yes, it was obvious there was a massive difference at Anfield with or without [supporters] so let’s set a new level for with.”
The Liverpool manager has also revealed his admiration for Guardiola, with the pair currently on nine victories apiece in their head-to-head meetings.
“I’m not sure I ever told Pep, but I like him,” added Klopp.
“From time to time I annoy him with things that I say in press conferences which are not actually to say anything bad about him or Man City.
“But when somebody on the City staff tells him ‘Klopp said that’ and I can see in the press conference that he gets pretty angry. Sorry for that!
“We think we know a lot about each other but we actually don’t. We meet each other [mostly] for football games.
“But two years ago, I think it was, we had a few situations where we went together in Manchester most of the time at any kind of awards and stuff like this.
“Our families met and I can tell you if somebody has a family like Pep Guardiola must be a good person. His missus and the kids are outstanding.
“During the game whatever he says, whatever I say… I want to win desperately, he wants to do that.
“We are completely different as personalities, but nonetheless I like him and that’s it pretty much. I respect him.”