Liverpool already have a congested fixture list as it is.
The Reds have been forced to play two games in the space of 24 hours due to their participation in both the League Cup and the Club World Cup, meaning that two totally different teams will need to line-up in each fixture. For the domestic trophy, the U23 squad will play Aston Villa’s senior side.
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Jurgen Klopp has already been vocal about his frustration with the fixture list, and he has been airing his displeasure once again after more recent reports have suggested that there have been talks with top clubs to expand the Champions League. He said: “I read an article that the top clubs want more games in the Champions League, I am absolutely not involved in these plans. We can talk about everything but we have to cut off games, not put more in.”
The latest plans for the growth of the tournament would see a 32-team league format introduced, with each team playing 10 matches against 10 different opponents, with the top eight automatically qualifying for the round of 16. The next 16 teams would then face off in a series of two-legged play-offs.
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It seems that UEFA and the European Clubs’ Association’s greed knows no bounds. The competition already sees the finalists play at least 13 matches, and for clubs in England in particular, this already represents a huge number of games. Manchester City, for example, played 64 matches last season, and kicked off this campaign with the Community Shield.
With international tournaments to factor in as well, it is getting to the point where we are asking players to play far too much. In this case, Jurgen Klopp is the voice of reason, and it is a shame that not more managers are speaking against these plans. Whilst it is understandable that there is a thirst for more clashes between the top sides that needs to be quenched, the players’ condition and well-being must be taken into consideration.
This madness needs to stop. If it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it. Hopefully, people will get behind Klopp’s words and see sense.
In other news, Liverpool fans react to their Champions League draw.