I WANT TO BLOCK FOR NATIONS NOT
Angry Klopp fires a blast at FIFA
JURGEN KLOPP has slammed FIFA for not doing more to help protect players from Covid-19 on international duty. The Liverpool boss is so angry he would like to block his stars travelling to play for nations who won’t share their safety protocols with Premier League clubs – but knows he would be breaking FIFA rules. The Liverpool boss, who will lose many players for up to 12 days after today’s clash with Manchester City, said: “Yes I am concerned. For us it feels safer when we are all together here at the training ground. “We have had some cases, not many but some, but the problem when they go on international duty is we have no power. Not really.
“We tried to find out what all the different protocols are with all the FAS but it’s up to those individual
FAS to answer or not. “They don’t have to – and FIFA so far is not really involved in that. It would be a massive help that if you don’t get a reply from an FA, for example, then you don’t send the player.
“And then I’m certain you would get 100 per cent replies!
“But with some we don’t know and there is nothing we can really do.”
There are concerns for Kop ace Sadio Mane, who is travelling to Senegal for an African Cup of Nations double header qualifier against Guinea-bissau – which is a Covid-19 hot-spot.
It’s a major concern for Klopp especially as his players are given secure conditions at Anfield, Melwood and the new training base in Kirkby, which they will move to after the international break.
He is also angry that Liverpool have to pay for private jets to fly some of them back to ensure their well-being.
“I am concerned not just about Covid but also that playing three games in nine days is massive.
“And as for bringing our players home, there is a lot that the clubs have to do for themselves because nobody is involved in that as well.”
Brazil have 2022 World Cup qualifying games at home against Venezuela and in Uruguay this month.
And it is understood Liverpool may share the cost of flying Roberto Firmino and goalkeeper Alisson home from South America with Manchester City pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus.