Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has come under criticism for his comments on Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder’s decision to vote against the introduction of the five substitutes rule.
The Reds lost James Milner to injury in their game against Brighton and Klopp was not a happy man. The German blamed the broadcasters for their scheduling, and also slammed the Premier League for not increasing the number of substitutions per game from three to five.
The Liverpool boss claimed that a majority of the teams voted for the change to happen, but Chris Wilder and Sheffield United remained adamant that three substitutions make it fair for all the teams in the division.
Klopp went after Wilder and called him ‘selfish’ for refusing to vote for change in his interview on BT Sport, after his side drew 1-1 against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
The interview prompted mixed reactions from fans and pundits. Some felt that Klopp is right to demand an increase in the number of substitutions for the safety of players, while others believe a change will be unfair to the smaller clubs.
Crooks: Wilder is right to vote against five substitutes
Garth Crooks has had his say on the issue on his column on BBC, and he has slammed Klopp for demanding more advantage for top clubs than they already have against the weaker sides in the Premier League.
He said: “Jurgen Klopp threw Chris Wilder under the bus with his “selfish” jibe, because the Sheffield United coach spoke his mind in a recent Premier League meeting and refused to accept five substitutes, instead of the current three, giving the top clubs another advantage on top of the ones they already have.
“Why should Wilder agree to that? And why a rule change 10 games into the season? Wilder’s team are already fighting for their lives.
“He simply wants to remain in the best league in the world and to do that he needs to take advantage of those teams who want the glory and the money associated with European success. It’s what gives teams like Sheffield United a chance in the Premier League.
“If Klopp is genuinely concerned about his players’ wellbeing, don’t wait for them to get injured – simply manage your resources and rotate your players. You had enough of them at the start of the season.”
Five substitutes rule will come in very soon
Crooks certainly has a point about Wilder sticking to his guns. The likes of Sheffield United, West Brom and Fulham rarely stand a chance against a full-strength Liverpool team. If the five-substitutes rule comes in, their chances of a result will decrease even more, which makes it unfair in their eyes.
However, the amount of games players are being forced to play without a pre-season is dangerous. The safety of footballers has to come first, especially in the situation we are currently in. The change in the rule is imminent and Wilder will have to find a way to work with it; even though it hurts his side against the stronger teams.
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