FESTIVE FIXTURES A ‘CRIME’
JURGEN KLOPP has branded the festive fixture list a “crime” .
In a rare sign of accord with rivals Manchester City, the Reds boss again hit out at the crazy Premier League Christmas scheduling which this season sees his title adversaries play two games in less than 48 hours.
Klopp admits that gives his side a massive advantage in the race to be champions because they play twice in three days which he says is “like a holiday” at this time of the year.
But Klopp said his countrymen back in Germany would not accept a timetable that he felt put players at risk.
“None of the managers has a problem playing on Boxing Day but playing on the 26th and 28th is a crime,” said Klopp.
“There is no reason why more teams do not get more than 48 hours between a Premier League game. Obviously we can say what
we want but no-one is listening. Sports science gives you nothing to deal with this. The body needs a specific amount of time to go again. That is science.
“But we ignore that completely. We just say, ‘oh, they look strange running around again today’.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is already out tonight with damaged ankle ligaments that could sideline him for six weeks – and City manager Pep Guardiola has condemned his side’s festive programme in which the champions face Wolves at 7.45pm tomorrow and Sheffield United at 6pm on Sunday. That is not even 46 hours.
Klopp added: “This year we play 26th and 29th and it is like a holiday. I understand each manager who mentions it from time to time – or pretty much always – when we see it coming up because it’s just not OK, but other people have to decide that.
“They are not moaning. They are telling. In Germany it would probably cause a lot of problems.”
Klopp will certainly not be partying this Christmas as if the title is won – despite Liverpool’s huge lead.
“We don’t get carried away, we’re completely focused on the next step,” he said. “I never in my life wanted to have a party before there was a reason. When there is a party for a reason I’m in it 100 per cent, but I can wait for it.
“There’s no chance of getting us in a mood where we could forget the things we have to do. The next thing to prove is Leicester on Boxing Day.”
Many feel the clash between the top two is the last chance for Liverpool’s rivals to haul them in – but the German coach says his side must be ruthlessly focused to the bitter end.
Klopp admitted: “Manchester City moved the bar massively. The kind of consistency they showed in the last three years is incredible and difficult, very difficult.
“You’re not allowed to lose games anymore but, then again, winning the Premier League should be difficult.
“City became champions two years ago and last year we tried to catch them but they did it in an incredible way. Everyone is fighting for every point.”