Klopp in favour of ‘proper’ matches

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has again voiced opposition to the Nations League, arguing there is no room for it in the calendar.

However, the German admitted he should save his breath.

“It’s too much in that competition: ‘Proper games, real opponents, it is better than having any friendlies’,” he said.

“That’s all good but you don’t want to see Joshua fighting every second night, it’s not possible. This week he fights in Leeds, next week he fights in Manchester and no one asked for it. Only in football everyone seems to be interested in now having only big competitions where you can get promoted or relegated.

“I realise already I could have told my coffee machine because no one is really interested but it is still my opinion.”

International football, although not the Nations League, saw three of his players return home injured.

Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita came back with hamstring trouble while Sadio Mane broke a thumb training with Senegal.

Of the three, Guinea international Keita – who was carried off the artificial pitch in Rwanda on the back of a team-mate on Tuesday – is the only definite to miss the trip to Huddersfield.

Defender Virgil van Dijk’s rib problem, which he had before playing for Holland, will not keep him out, however. “We’re pretty sure that Naby will not be available. With all the rest, we have to see how it develops,” added Klopp, who said he had no issue with the pitch or the method of Keita’s departure from it.

“Do I think it is fair to play the same game on different surfaces? I say yes. It rains, it snows, whatever, it is absolutely OK, but artificial surfaces are not a surface for football.

“I don’t think the injury had anything to do with that.”

Midfielder Adam Lallana is set to return to the squad for the first time since September 1 after recovering from a groin problem.

“Hopefully no one forgot how good he was before his little injury,” said Klopp.

“He will play first-team football for Liverpool again and that is the best news.”

Jurgen Klopp is not a fan of the Nations League.