Klopp set to take a rain check
JURGEN KLOPP fears torrential rain could turn the pitch for Liverpool’s Asia Trophy game against Crystal Palace into a quagmire.
Pitch inspections have been held ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League-sponsored match at the Hong Kong Stadium following heavy downpours.
Further rain is forecast today and tomorrow.
The last time the tournament was held in Hong Kong, four years ago, teams complained about the ‘dangerous’ pitch, which has since been relaid at a cost of £3million.
More rain here in Hong Kong could see both Liverpool and Palace deciding against risking players with the new season less than a month away.
“Yeah, it’s a worry,” said Kop boss Klopp. “It’s an outdoor sport so you have to adapt to the weather but I hope it’s OK. If it’s bad we can’t change it. We have our first training this afternoon and we’ll see how it is.”
A Premier League spokesman said: “We have inspected the surface daily for the last week and are confident in the pitch.”