Jurgen Klopp is not a happy man. The Liverpool manager was speaking at a press conference ahead of the Manchester United clash and was unhappy with the fixtures during the New Year. The problem lies with the fact that the Reds play Sunderland just 48 hours after taking on Manchester City.
The Reds face the Manchester side on New Year’s Eve before facing the Black Cats on 2 January, just two days later.
“Now I have seen the fixtures and I am not too happy,” the German was quoted by the Express.
“We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and in Sunderland on the 2nd.
“Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea, but less than 48 hours I cannot believe.”
Klopp critical of fixture and questions the need such games
The German was happy with playing on New Year’s Eve but didn’t understand the logic behind playing just a couple days later.
“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?”
This is why England does not win international tournaments
The German was unsure about how to prepare for the games and the lack of time is certainly a big factor for the injuries that players pick up.
“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?” and then this Dutch guy says ‘The training is not too good’.
“How do you prepare a team for this. Do you say ‘Only 50 per cent 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.”
Injuries a problem for the Reds
Klopp’s energetic pressing game has been questioned by many. Liverpool do have a lot of injury issues and that is expected due to the way they play. The Reds still have a couple of injury concerns when it comes to Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum and the duo could miss the clash against United.
The dig at the “Dutch” was with respect to Raymond Verheijen, who has been at loggerheads with Klopp regarding the injuries picked up. The Dutch coach further tweeted against Klopp right after the press conference.
Liverpool manager Klopp caused 20 hamstring injuries in 10 months but keeps blaming external factors for injuries.https://t.co/ER2gEzA1rX pic.twitter.com/sP2NRR7OEh
— Raymond Verheijen (@raymondverheije) October 14, 2016
