da dobrowin： Jurgen Klopp called for Amnesty International's intervention over "insane" Premier League schedule & unleashed an incredible rant against TNT Sports.
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Klopp fuming over congested fixture listBelieves players are "overworked" in England Vowed to unsubscribe from TNT Sports Getty WHAT HAPPENED?
In a fiery rant directed at the Premier League authorities, Klopp lamented the toll that excessive fixtures are taking on English football. He suggested that the relentless schedule is hindering the country's teams from succeeding in European competitions- with Aston Villa the only remaining outfit in Europe after Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham and Liverpool were knocked out of their respective competitions.
Klopp's frustration stems from what he views as an unreasonable number of matches being crammed into the calendar, particularly for top-tier teams who would have to play three more matches from next season due to the restructuring of the Champions League. He humorously likened the situation to a crime, implying that it warrants Amnesty, a human rights organisation, to have a look and rectify.
AdvertisementWHAT KLOPP SAID
Expressing concern over the welfare of players, Klopp remarked: "The boys had a few days off this week which was super important and we could have proper training sessions again, which we are not used to. We stumble from one -1 (the day before a match) into the next. I said it from the first day, training helps. In general, it’s a really interesting subject, seeing that Aston Villa lost 4-2 last night. If they go out it would mean no English team is in a European final. You will all stay here, you will all talk about it.
"If you think that all English teams underperformed, there were definitely moments – us against Atalanta and things like this. But the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people. You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), and you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, 'You cannot cut off these games, they are important!' But you cannot sort it all the time."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Liverpool boss has a long-standing grievance with broadcasters like TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, for their scheduling decisions. Klopp highlighted Liverpool's recent fixture congestion, ranging from a Thursday away fixture against Atalanta to a Sunday match at Fulham, followed by a midweek Merseyside derby and an early Saturday game against West Ham, effectively ending their title aspirations for the season.
"They dare to give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime," Klopp stated.
"I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, 'They pay you! They give money for football'. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.
"They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you. You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out. I will watch a lot of football but not all – people can survive without matches from time to time. Manchester City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it’s just not a reflection of quality. We are out in the quarter-finals. Yes, other countries have good teams, it’s not about that – it’s a sign. We have to change our approach. That’s how it is. When I speak about it they think it’s because of our situation, if we lost the last game. But it’s a general problem. Nothing to do with our schedule now."
Calling on Amnesty to go after TNT Sports, Klopp added: "I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, “Liverpool 12.30” and the whole room bursts into [laughter]. I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!
"They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy. They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but…"
DID YOU KNOW?
The Liverpool manager's outspoken criticism of broadcasters is not unprecedented. In 2020, Klopp famously lambasted TNT Sports, then BT Sport, for their role in an injury suffered by James Milner, highlighting the physical toll that congested schedules can exact on players.
When he was asked about Milner's injury by TV host Des Kelly, he started his response with a sarcastic "congratulations".
He went on to add: "Well you work for them. I don't know how often I have to say it, but you pick the 12:30 kick-offs. Between now and December there is one more Wednesday, Saturday. These are difficult times. I am just saying it how it is. Wednesday to Saturday 12:30 is really dangerous."