KLOPP: U, LUTON
JURGEN KLOPP is an old romantic.
But the Liverpool boss will not let his heart rule his head when it comes to the future of football.
Klopp is relishing his first visit to Luton Town’s humble Kenilworth Road.
Not only is he full of admiration for the way the Hatters have clawed their way from National League to Premier League.
He has his own precious memories of the time he guided Mainz from the depths of the German second division and into the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.
Klopp knows the importance of a club being able to dream.
Two years ago, he argued
LIKELY TEAMS LUTON:
LIVERPOOL:
against the proposed European Super League – even if it might have eased the kind of fixture list that sees Liverpool travel to Manchester City next month, days after stars from both clubs will have disputed a World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina.
He describes Luton’s rise back up the pyramid as “a fairytale” – but knows those chronicles often involve a giant-killing.
Klopp said: “Luton is one of these stories we all like.
“It’s a fairytale and I hope they have a wonderful season – apart from the games against us.
“I was in a similar situation when we got promoted with Mainz. Because I was in that place, I respect Luton maybe the most for what they are doing. I love the fact that Luton can play in the Premier League. That is absolutely fantastic.
“Of all the things we want to change and have to change for the future of football, if there is no way through for a team then it hinders development. These stories must always be possible.”
Liverpool’s journey south substituted after 45 minutes at Wolves that weekend. Klopp, who has been constantly banging the drum about protecting players from burnout, believes that the hectic schedule was one of the reasons the Super League proposal gained traction. He added: “I am not a with be their 16th game of the season. On Thursday, they travel to Toulouse in the Europa League before a home clash with Brentford ahead of an international I love that Luton break. can play in the
When Kop Premier League. star Alexis Mac That is fantastic Allister returned from playing for Argentina in Bolivia in September, he was so exhausted that he was supporter of the Super League, but I understand it more when I see where some clubs are coming from.
“It’s fantastic that every week can be romantic but we have spoken a lot about the main issue, which is to have quality and not have teams playing against each other when they can barely move their legs.
“Too many games, bigger
Hatters’ tale touches my heart as I did same at Mainz... but my head says game has to change
World Cups, bigger European Championships.
“At one point we have to have a conversation.”
Klopp refuses to be condescending about the best Luton can hope for this season.
Mainz punched above their weight for three years before being relegated, but are now established in the Bundesliga. Klopp said: “I was part of a fairytale and it was nice. But a lot of times it ended with the first whistle.
“We’d say, ‘Ah, great, it’s Bayern’ and then afterwards it didn’t feel that great.
“I’m not saying for Luton it’s the same, but there are times when you celebrate a draw like it’s a win.
“So I like the Luton story and I just hope they are smart enough to cherish the situation they’re in. When we got promoted with Mainz, my boss at the time said that the next year in the Bundesliga would be like a holiday with none of the pressure of the second division.
“We were disappointed when we got relegated – but it was not the end of the world.”