KLOPP’S DOUBLE DILEMMA

I don’t agree with Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave his youth team to compete in the FA Cup – and most definitely not with his choice to miss the game. But I can understand it. The reality is, it’s not the most important thing on the radar, by any means. In fact, it’s a bloody inconvenience.

Not only is the replay with Shrewsbury in the middle of an important break for his players – with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane not getting any real time off in two years – but the fifth round presents a massive headache too.

People don’t seem to have noticed, but it’s in midweek this year – the first Tuesday and Wednesday in March – which would mean another headache for Klopp (above) trying to juggle games.

Going to Chelsea, if they win next week, he can hardly send a team full of kids.

But, believe me, he’ll be thinking there’s a genuine chance of an incredible Champions League and Premier League double now.

You wouldn’t bet against them. City look the next strongest in the European competition – and they’e beaten them in it over two legs already.

So, while for me the FA Cup is still a big deal – and the competition I used to sit in front of the TV glued to from 9am – I accept he has other priorities.

I’VE been laughing at how a certain sports channel has been trying to hype up the most boring transfer window in history!

January is not a place to do business for clubs in the Premier League, the level demanded is tough to find in the middle of a season.

And it’s no coincidence the likes of Liverpool and City haven’t bothered. It’s about long-term planning.