Klopp and Liverpool getting used to crowds again in Norwich win

Jurgen Klopp conceded his Liverpool players will have to get used to playing in front of crowds again after overseeing an opening 3-0 Premier League win at Norwich City.

Mohamed Salah set a new Premier League record by scoring on a fifth successive opening weekend, having laid on goals for Diogo Jota and substitute Roberto Firmino.

But Klopp felt Liverpool were not at their best before Jota’s 26th-minute opener and suggested the capacity Carrow Road crowd was a factor.

“We saw on Sunday and Monday playing against [Athletic] Bilbao and Osasuna, we were sensationally lively from the start,” he told Sky Sports, referencing Liverpool’s final pre-season friendlies played out in front of fans at Anfield.

“It was not the case today. Let’s get used to it. I could see it in the eyes of the players. That’s fine for the first game but, of course, we want to start differently.

“And, yes, everybody has to get used to an atmosphere again. Hopefully we have a great atmosphere next Saturday [against Burnley at Anfield] and let’s try to use it.

“We scored goals and controlled the game apart from two or three situations.

“It was not perfect, of course, but that’s not important. It’s important that we get the result and can build on it and work with it. We can work with this performance very well.”

Virgil van Dijk came through 90 minutes on his first competitive appearance since last October.

“Top,” Klopp said of the Dutch centre-back’s display. “After that long time being out, having the pre-season he had and now being back on the pitch… it feels different.

“You could see all his quality, all his class in all moments. It was hard for him to go 90 minutes, maybe he will need a mobile ice bath.

“Kostas [Tsimikas] did really well on his first Premier League start until about 80 minutes when somebody pulled the plug. It was a very professional performance.”

There was a clinical edge to Liverpool’s play, one exemplified by the prolific Salah.

“They are all in good shape up front, in training they all look really sharp. But Mo is just a good footballer and he loves the competitions,” Klopp added.

“As soon as it starts getting competitive again, he goes to the next gear and you saw that today.”