We want to win title on pitch, says Werner
Tom Werner, the Liverpool chairman, says the Premier League’s return would be a morale boost for the country, as he wants the title decided on the pitch rather than by default.
Liverpool would be confirmed as champions even if the remaining nine games were not played, but Werner thinks completing the season would be a more satisfying conclusion.
And while it would be impossible for Liverpool to hold a title parade in the near future, Werner promised there would be a celebration to mirror that after last year’s Champions League win when circumstances permitted.
“If we can figure out a way to get these matches played, I think it would be good for the country,” Werner said. “It will be a boost for people’s morale and give them something to look forward to and a return to normality. There’s a hole in so many people’s lives. Football is central to their dreams and their hopes.
“And certainly, as regards Liverpool, we are playing magnificent football and are just a couple of matches away from winning the trophy. But I put it in perspective, people are suffering, whether they have lost loved ones, are sick or are dealing with this unemployment. It is a terrible situation we are all in.”
The first phase of the Premier League’s Project Restart kicked in with the clubs’ midweek return to training. Werner acknowledged there was “a tiny element of risk” but that frequent testing was being carried out.
“Most importantly, if the scientists and the Government feel it’s unsafe, then there will be no football,” he said. “But hopefully we can figure out a way to play.”
However the title is concluded, Liverpool’s hopes of replicating the euphoric scenes after last year’s sixth European Cup are on hold.
Werner hopes a vaccine is developed, which would allow a “return to the joy” of fans watching games live, and being able to celebrate the title.
“I am looking forward to a parade sometime when we can all congregate because I know how important that is to all of our supporters,” he said.
Timely boost: Tom Werner believes the return of Premier League football would lift the nation