Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, has openly criticised TNT Sports and England’s broadcasters, implying that they are partially responsible for the lackluster performance by the Premier League teams in European competitions this year. His comments came ahead of his second to last home game at Anfield, against Tottenham this Sunday and in the backdrop of his dissatisfactions involving broadcasters and Fifa.
Because of the mediocre performance by Premier League clubs this season, the Champions League extra space for the coming season has been taken by Bundesliga. Further, it’s possible that following Aston Villa’s defeat in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final, there might be no British teams in any European final.
Klopp pointed towards the hectic fixture schedule as a cause of the problem, something he has voiced concerns about in the past. He argued that the broadcasters were damaging the product they depend on for their revenue. He voiced particular annoyance around Liverpool’s fixture scheduling, with the club playing the highest number of Saturday fixtures at 12.30pm, more than any other club, since the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
Klopp stated that the Premier League is the world’s most superior league and it isn’t overrated – instead, the players are overworked. Someone needs to intervene and help. Despite cutting down a game in the Carabao Cup semi-finals next season, there will be three additional Champions League games for the top teams, causing further fixtures congestion.
Klopp also shared his concerns with a team from his favorite TV channel, TNT, a channel he vouched never to watch again. He stated that football enriches broadcasters, not the other way round, and urged them to become partners with football rather than taking advantage of it. He finished his statement advising that while he will continue to consume lots of football, not every game is essential viewing.
Manchester City and Arsenal were ousted from the Champions League during the quarter-finals phase. This, however, does not miror their expertise. While it’s recognised that teams from other countries are skilled, it’s not the point. The issue has to do with the operating methods, and it’s a systemic problem. The frequency of games scheduled – Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, and a Saturday 12.30 game – is borderline shocking. One would expect human rights organizations like Amnesty International to intervene. The decision-making process behind scheduling Liverpool games at 12.30pm appears a joke amongst them. Yet, they find satisfaction in their actions. They are eager for followers, but I opt out of their fan list.
Klopp, looking at his approaching exit from Liverpool and the worries over the management of football, was queried on potential involvement in football administration in the future. He responded that, although he received an accolade from the PFA the previous day for standing up for players, he wasn’t sure why exactly. However, well-versed individuals in the sector would be a necessity in every age. The possibility of him landing a role at Fifa as president seemed absurd to him. Even though it’s a well-remunerated position, hence the interest from others, he has no inclination to invest his life in such affairs. He believes he wouldn’t fare well in the competitive setting.
Further engaging with the behaviour of Mohamed Salah during previous West Ham match, Klopp reiterated that the incident has been satisfactorily handled and is a non-issue now. He added that he does not see signs that Salah is looking to part ways with Anfield come the summer season.
He clearly stated that Salah’s contribution as a player is immense and he believes that the decision concerning Salah’s future rests with Salah himself primarily, and others. The future he envisions seems to have Salah continuing in Liverpool. – The Daily Mirror