In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp
voiced his reservations on Friday about releasing his players for international duty.
The German said the English Premier League (EPL) club had
tried to get clarification about safety procedures from national teams.
Like several other top European teams, Champions Liverpool have started their new EPL campaign
with a shortened pre-season, a crowded fixture schedule and the possibility of losing COVID-19 stars.
The international matches next week make it even more complicated for Liverpool, with Klopp claiming
it was hard for the club to make contact with national teams and handle player logistics.
“I don’t want to sound disrespectful about how other countries are doing it but this is the place that we know and we know how we are dealing with it,” Klopp told a news conference ahead of Sunday’s league clash at Aston Villa.
“So, I am slightly concerned because it is difficult to be in contact with all FAs (football associations) all over the world.
“I understand it. I really understand how difficult the situation is, but it’s not exactly perfect, the information we get from certain FAs.”
The Premier League and broadcasters were also
accused by Klopp of not prioritising player safety.
This is because, on Oct. 17, less than 48 hours after returning from international duty,
a number of his players will be forced to return to league action against rivals Everton.
“We send the players away and then we have another challenge because we have to play a Premier League game on a Saturday after they have travelled from, maybe Peru, on the Thursday or Friday,” the German coach added.
“You have to make sure you bring the players home in the quickest and safest way and then we have to see how they are before we try to get a result on the Saturday.”
After recovering from a muscle injury, Klopp reported captain Jordan Henderson has returned
to training but remains a doubt for the clash at Villa Park on Sunday.
Source: NNN
