Klopp slams Liverpool FC festive fixture listReds boss furious at less than 48 hours between Man City and Sunderland games
Jurgen Klopp has slammed the festive fixture scheduling which has Liverpool playing twice in the space of less than 48 hours.
The Reds boss believes the gruelling programme will put his players at risk of injury and underlines why England struggle on the international stage at major tournaments as a result of having no winter break.
Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester City has been moved to Saturday, December 31 (kick-off 5.30pm) in order to be shown live on Sky Sports.
They then face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday, January 2 (kick-off 3pm) – just 44 hours after the battle with City.
“Now I have seen the fixtures and I am not too happy,” Klopp said.
“We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and playing in Sunderland on the 2nd.
“Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea but less than 48 hours I cannot believe.
Jurgen Klopp poses with the manager of the month trophy at Melwood Training Ground on October 13, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Premier League)
“I learn more and more about this league and maybe I have to ask someone if we can ask if there will be another time for us at Sunderland.
“Our job is to do everything we can to win games. I understand tradition. I would never say Boxing Day is not a good idea as I love it and I have absolutely no problem
“But now having a match day with two days between there should be another possibility.
“I don’t know why we play Monday. Is January 2 a special day in England?
“Forty-eight hours between two games - how does this work? And then you will sit there and say: ‘You didn’t perform too well, how did this happen?’ or ‘Injuries. Oh?’ Then this Dutch guy says: ‘The training is not too goo
Klopp was referring to Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen – the former Wales assistant manager - who has been a vocal critic of Klopp’s training methods.
Verheijen responded to Klopp’s words by tweeting: “Liverpool manager Klopp caused 20 hamstring injuries in 10 months but keeps blaming external factors for injuries.”
Klopp added: “How do you prepare a team for this? Do you say: ‘Only 50% against City because we have Sunderland on Monday?’.
“It doesn’t sound like it is right. Everyone is asking: ‘Why England is not too successful in big tournaments?’
“Ask what other big countries are doing at this time. They have their legs on the sofa and are watching English football.”
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