Six Liverpool players have been barred from touching the famed ‘This Is Anfield’ sign before games, according to Jurgen Klopp.
The magnificent ‘This Is Anfield’ sign has been celebrated across European football since it was initially put by Bill Shankly 50 years ago.
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The statement piece served as the foundation for one of Shankly’s most famous quotes: “It’s there to remind our lads who they’re playing for, and it’s there to remind the opposition who they’re playing against!”
The sign has been replaced three times throughout the years, but it has kept its historic significance to this day.
It has witnessed Liverpool’s 19 league titles, sixth European Cup, ninth league cup, eighth FA Cup, fourth Super Cup, and first Club World Cup in the last decade.
As they walk onto the pitch, the current generation of players ritualistically touch the sign.
However, as of yet, six players have not won the right to do so.
During the early days of Klopp’s employment at Liverpool, he stated, “I’ve told my players not to touch the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign until they win something!”
“It’s a gesture of respect.” When I was manager of Borussia Dortmund, I got close to it, but we lost 4-0.”
Summer signings Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch are all prohibited from touching the sign if the rule is still in effect.
Meanwhile, because the Reds did not win any trophies last season, January acquisition Cody Gakpo and youngster Stefan Bajcetic are not permitted to touch the tunnel sign.