Klopp Talk: Give Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain a Song

There are loads of ways for fans to show their appreciation for the players of their clubs. Cheering whenever they take pitch, for one. Purchasing their jerseys. At Anfield, the ultimate show of love is by dedicating a song to a player and singing it in full voice.

And it doesn’t require you to be a star either. Often, cult heroes at Anfield have found the Kop singing their name loud and clear. Think of the songs made for important, if not talismanic, heroes: Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez.

It is a meaningful gift, then, to have the Kop bless you with a song. And even some very deserving people - cough Daniel Sturridge cough - have managed to play through their entire career in Red without having been graced with one.

Well, today, Jurgen Klopp put out an exhortation to the Kop in service of one Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain. In making his remarks to the official site discussing the midfielder’s new extended contract, Klopp indicated that he hopes this season will see AOC being enshrined among Anfield legends by earning a song from the Kop.

“And who knows, maybe this is the season we hear the Kop sing an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain song? I can tell you it would mean a lot to me and the boys to hear that, let alone him!”

It’s obvious that the gaffer rates Ox’s abilities and what he brings to the squad. And prior to his lengthy injury, most fans would say that the examples of it were rather evident in the play of the midfielder. This contract - and these comments - only serve to confirm what might not be immediately apparent to the fans as AOC has started playing meaningful minutes post-injury: that the staff believe deeply that he is an important cog and still has much to give to the Liverpool cause.

Which is all great, great news. Ox has quickly risen up the ranks of fan favorite and I’ve no doubt that he’s likely to earn that great honor due to that. But it is certainly a positive to know that the manager backs him and his ability to enter that hallowed space in Liverpool lore. Here’s hoping that everything breaks just right this season and that we will all get an opportunity not only to see AOC lift trophies for this Liverpool side, but for the Kop to shower him with their gratitude in the form of song.