The Liverpool manager doesn’t understand why the Reds kick-off the league season on Friday night.
Having finished their 2018/19 season on June 1st in the UEFA Champions League final, the Reds manager feels it doesn’t make sense that they’d be the side selected to get proceedings in the English top-flight underway earlier than others.
Klopp’s side are due to face Norwich City at Anfield in an under-the-lights match live on television.
As quoted by The Mirror, he said: “We had the last game in the Champions League Final on June 1 and now the first game of the new Premier League season. That doesn’t sound exactly like it should be to me. Who can have this idea? It’s crazy.
“I would much prefer to have had the Sunday game because that would have given us two more days of preparation. I see people are excited and looking forward to the new season – but no one worries about the problems.”
Klopp has a bit of a point here, but realistically are Liverpool at that much of a disadvantage compared to others?
Spurs, who they played in the Champions League final, kick off their season less than 24 hours later.
Many clubs up and down the league, like Liverpool, have had players away on international duty during the summer which is surely much more of a strain on pre-season readiness and fitness.
There’s a valid argument to be made about fixture congestion and the ever increasing demands of players who feature for clubs who play in European competition, domestic action and on the international scene.
However, in terms of meaningful and tangible disadvantage in comparison to their rivals, Klopp’s argument isn’t quite there.
It’s undoubtedly a tricky start to the season for the Reds, with a European Super Cup to play for on August 14th too.
Their fans will be hoping that Klopp’s side can rise above the early fixture issues to get off to a flyer and put pressure on champions Manchester City.
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