WE’VE GOT A NEW CISTERN TO USE LOO!
JURGEN KLOPP has revealed how his players could get caught short in the build-up to a Premier League return – with a one-way system for the loo.
The Liverpool manager admitted he is overjoyed at the prospect of getting back out on the training pitch with his squad today, as the Champions-elect resume in small groups.
And he offered some insight into how Liverpool have prepared their training ground to ensure players can stick to social-distancing rules and Premier League guidelines.
“You should see Melwood and what the team admin manager Ray Haughan has organised, it’s unbelievable,” said Klopp. “It’s all one-way, so we will not meet.
“We get on the training pitch, but then you have to walk because we have to keep our distance. If you are in the wrong point and want to go to the toilet, then it’s a really long way because you cannot just turn around and go back – you have to go the whole way round!
“We do whatever we have to do to stay safe, also keep other people safe and still be able to play football.”
Klopp (above) explained that he and his coaches will now get creative to ensure his players will be ready to complete their title mission.
“When we start, the competition will create the intensity. And you’ll see how the intensity will increase,” he added.
“From a physical point of view, the boys are in good shape – they could run a marathon probably. But we have to start getting used to the pitch, football boots and balls again. That’s a big challenge because these football-specific things make all the difference.
“The boys are fit, but the moment you start playing football, you can see how different it is. That’s what we have to get through – and we will get through it.“
Klopp also offered a passionate argument that the sport can provide a model for how to reopen “parts of life” again, by taking small, safe steps to eventually get back to playing matches – just as they did in Germany.
“It is safe,” he said. “No one wants to bring anybody into danger, but, with all the things we know about, the players will be safe.
“With testing as often as possible, Germany showed it already. They had 10 positive tests and now they play already. That shows we can create a society in which we really make sure that nothing will happen.
“It’s now a good moment to do it for the teams, then other things will follow.
“It’s all about when, but everybody agrees you need to reopen, step by step, different parts of life again. “It’s not about what is the most important thing because that’s clear – dealing with the virus, making sure all the people are safe.
“But then, from a specific moment, you have to start dealing with the future again.”