Christmas no cracker for grinch boss Klopp
JURGEN Klopp is playing the grinch again as he complains about the Christmas fixture pile- up.
He fears that players will start to feel the strain of so many games at once.
His Reds will play four matches in nine days from December 19 to 28.
Then they take on Chelsea on January 2 before the winter break kicks in.
It’s become an annual tradition for the German to complain of too many games at this time of year.
He said: “Players’ welfare is important but we’re used to a tough schedule
“I don’t think we need to make too many changes at the start of December.
“December will always be crazy.
“Everything is fine until you reach Christmas. The 26th and 28th is still not right to play.
“We accept that, we play, it’s tradition but it’s really tough.
Knocks
“January is not better and the more successful we are in cups, it’s the same. So it is a difficult two months ahead.”
Liverpool were hit by lots of injuries last season and have had a few on the sidelines this time around.
But there’s better news for Naby Keita and Joe Gomez who are close to a return after knocks.
Klopp said: “It was really nice to see them in training, they looked brilliant.
“They will use the next few days and do what they have to do. If nothing happens they should be in contention again.”
Klopp has been paying tribute to Diogo Jota after the Reds faced his former club Wolves.
The Portugal ace has been a massive success since his £ 40m move from Molineux.
The Reds boss said:
“I remember the first time I saw him I thought he could be a player for me because of how intense he was in all situations.
“Technically he was on a really high level but the intensity he puts in makes all the difference as at our level all players have