The advent of the hydration break in soccer has sparked major debate during the 2026 World Cup but former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in favor of them.
FIFA rules mean that soccer games during the World Cup will be paused around 22 minutes into each half to allow players to take on board fluids and rehydrate in hot conditions.
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While few would argue with that being an important thing to do at times, the fact it happens in every single World Cup game regardless of the weather has frustrated supporters.
For some, it is simply a way of creating four quarters in a sport that has long been built on having just two halves of action, all while introducing time for more advertisements.
Still, Klopp has come out in support of them.
Klopp thinks hydration breaks are good for players and coaches
Asked by reporters for his thoughts on the controversial breaks at the World Cup, the German said (via Sky Sports): “It’s really hot, it’s good for the players. Is it good for the coaches? Yeah, I would have loved it. All the good things start always when I’m not there anymore, like goal line technology.
“We lost a final when maybe we would have needed it many years ago and now it’s with hydration breaks. I understand the discussion 100%, yeah.
“Maybe it’s a little bit too much right now. It’s definitely too long because for drinking, you don’t need two and a half minutes. When you’re in the stadium, it’s okay!
“You get a little bit of a show. In Dallas, there were the cheerleaders, which I enjoyed on the big screen.
“It’s like, completely fine, but I understand when you sit at home and then the commercials start. But coming my age, it’s a welcome break to go to the toilet.”
Klopp clearly believes they are a good thing for players and coaches, though does admit that he can see how fans would be frustrated by them at times.
Supporters in the stadium have sometimes booed the hydration breaks, such is the level of frustration directed at them at times.
The good news for those who dislike the breaks is that UEFA have reportedly stressed that there are no plans to introduce them at the upcoming Euro 2028 tournament.
That will be held across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in the summer of 2028 and while it will no doubt be hot, temperatures are unlikely to rise quite as high as they have done across the continent of North America this summer.
Read more:
Jurgen Klopp apologises to Julian Nagelsmann after one word sparks Germany storm
UEFA delivers verdict on hydration breaks at Euro 2028 after World Cup controversy
FIFA president Gianni Infantino denies World Cup hydration breaks are about money
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