Be more open and name players hit by Covid, says Klopp

JURGEN KLOPP believes players who are ruled out with Covid-19 should be named as he called for greater transparency from the Premier League for why fixtures are being postponed. Liverpool manager Klopp spoke passionately about what lengths people can go to in order to fight the pandemic, saying that getting a booster jab is all about ‘solidarity and togetherness’. He revealed that his squad, in the main, have had third jabs. Klopp’s side will look to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City when they face Newcastle tonight and they have a clean bill of health following the latest round of daily testing. Many clubs are preferring not to name which players have contracted the virus but Klopp feels there is an argument for full disclosure when someone falls ill and says he would have no issue making it public if he was unwell. Klopp said: ‘I think it would be pretty helpful if we really know what the situation is. From my point of view, I don’t understand 100 per cent why we are not more open. A lot of people catch Covid at the moment. ‘If I catch it — and hopefully not — I would be completely fine to tell people I have it. Why do we hide it? Why nobody knows the number of players who have it? ‘It is always a little bit like “some staff, some players”. Come on, say it and then we can understand why you are not able to play. I would prefer that but I am not sure whether from a legal point of view that is possible. ‘We play Tottenham on Sunday and we have no idea who is available — OK, they play (tonight) so we might have a little idea. But, apart from that, we have no idea who is able to play or not. That is different to usual preparations for a game.’ On the issue of booster jabs, Klopp (right) added: ‘The whole vaccination thing is, for me, a massive question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness. There is only one answer, so you do it. ‘It is not only the squad, everyone at the training ground is at least double vaccinated and will get the booster as soon as possible.’

Liverpool v Newcastle live on BT Sport 1, 8pm kick-off.