Hundreds of fans wave to Liverpool in Bangkok

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp couldn’t resist a comparison as he tried to greet a typically enthusiastic Thai welcome.

There is something unique about the welcome extended to the biggest English clubs when they visit the Far East.

Some waited over six hours for Liverpool to arrive. Two hours before their flight was scheduled to land, hundreds were waiting outside Bangkok airport.

Liverpool landed in Thailand on Sunday, a day after Premier League rivals Manchester United. The two teams face off on Tuesday before traveling to Australia for further pre-season fixtures.

By the time Klopp and his players were ready to leave the airport and be driven into town, there were well over a thousand fans in attendance.

Some were 50 yards away and probably didn’t even get a glimpse of their heroes, considering it only took about three steps to get from the VIP room exit to the team bus .

Others stood in central reserve to wave Liverpool away, the sound of the main body of supporters following them as they left.

Half an hour earlier, Klopp had led his players to honor their Thai hosts during the traditional welcoming ceremony.

If ordered, the scene quickly turned chaotic as a press conference table was set up, with three seats – for Klopp, skipper Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner.

The barrier meant to prevent the media from staying behind was ignored and officials tried unsuccessfully to clear space for questions to be asked in an orderly fashion. They had no chance, which is when Klopp asked for the comparison with Manchester United.

“I’ve never been to a press conference like this,” he said as he was presented with a ball.

“Thank you for the really warm welcome. It’s only my second time in Thailand, the first was an hour away on the way to Sydney. Hopefully I’ll have time to pass through the city this time.”

Milner spoke of the “energy” of the fans, while Klopp explained that there is no friendly match between Liverpool and United.

If today’s events are any guide, the atmosphere is expected to be raucous at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday.