Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool boss says 'good moment' to consider safe standing

It is a "good moment" to consider bringing in safe standing at stadiums, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Premier League and Championship clubs can apply to pilot safe standing areas from January 2022.

Standing in English football's top two divisions was outlawed after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.

"I'm pretty sure the people are now responsible enough to do it in the right way," said Klopp.

"The stadiums are completely different to the time when really sad, sad things happened.

"The construction is different, all these kind of things. I like the idea and I'm especially excited about how much better could the atmosphere be at Anfield if we have safe standing.

"I would be really surprised if it could be even better but I'm open for that so let's see."

The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) has given clubs until 6 October to submit an application to have licensed standing areas, which will be evaluated once in use.

"The reason why the Premier League changed it were good reasons and things had to be reconsidered. Now, after quite a long time, I think it's a good moment to start thinking about how can we get back to where we were," said Klopp.

"I'm pretty sure - I don't know it actually - but I'm pretty sure that on the Kop that people stand most of the time anyway.

"It's just good that we talk about it again, that we might reintroduce it again and really test it again."

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith was also asked about the issue on Friday, and said he hoped his club could implement safe standing.

"If it's been given the go-ahead from the government then hopefully we can get it into Villa Park," he said.

"I think it's a good idea, spectators should always have a choice of whether they sit or stand for a game."

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was similarly hopeful fans would soon be allowed to stand at Old Trafford.

"I know that the club is supportive, we want to trial that," he said.

"When you stand up, you're more passionate and emotional, so I'm looking forward to trialling that if everything goes to plan."