Klopp pleads for ‘common sense’ in Liverpool fixture schedule

Dan Butterfield
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp watching his side warm-up

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has pleaded for common sense in the fixture schedule after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

After securing a 6-4 aggregate win over Benfica on Wednesday evening, Liverpool will now face Spanish side Villarreal over two legs, either side of a Premier League clash with Newcastle.


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The Reds face a huge few weeks that includes a FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, two Premier League fixtures against their  oldest rivals Manchester United and Everton before the Champions League semis.

Klopp has been very vocal about the fixture schedule and criticised the decision to put the Newcastle-Liverpool clash on at 12:30 on Saturday.

Speaking to the media ahead of their FA Cup semi at Wembley, Klopp said: “That’s a normal problem. We are in two semi-finals, so that’s our problem. But, the kick-off is a massive difference, because each hour counts with recovery.

“I don’t understand it. People want to see a football game, but I don’t think a team should have an advantage.

“I really think the league and the broadcaster should try at least to help. And we will see.

“Common sense would say it is right to move the game.”

Liverpool are still on for a quadruple this season having secured the Carabao Cup earlier this years and despite the hectic schedule, the German is keen to play as many games as possible.

“I want to have 12 games left. It’s the best schedule we can have as it means we are in all the competitions.”

Klopp made the decision to make seven changes for the clash against Benfica, including resting star forward Mohamed Salah, who has quite been at top form in recent weeks.

Klopp admitted that whilst Salah ‘hates’ not playing, the game against Benfica justified his decision to make so many changes.

“Even if Mo would have scored four goals in the last game, he wouldn’t have started (v Benfica). There’s no story, just a necessity. Even he is just a human being and there’ll be games where he can’t start or is taken off and he hates that – that’s clear!

“Some of the defending was a bit flat-footed and were waiting for offside. But in general, the intensity of the game (v Benfica) showed it was right to make seven changes.”