Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is happy with the decision from the Premier League to allow its teams to make five substitutions per game after campaigning for the change.
The increase was briefly introduced as an emergency measure when the competition resumed in 2020 after a pandemic-enforced break, but five has since become three again. This makes the Premier League different from other top European club competitions, but it is set to fall in line with the Champions League and various other domestic leagues from next season onwards.
Klopp has been one of the biggest supporters of the increase among Premier League bosses. However, there has been criticism from elsewhere, with West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady among the most critical of proposals.
"Honestly, for people to suggest it is an advantage tactically has nothing to do with [my argument]," Klopp said in February. "Absolutely nothing. It’s absolutely not true that it gives us an advantage.
"Five subs is a must-have for the future. It should be now already but at least for the future because we have to make sure we give the players opportunity to save energy."
Klopp has now got his way, following a meeting of Premier League stakeholders. While English top-flight clubs had previously failed to deliver the majority needed to make the change, progress from football lawmakers IFAB is believed to have played a part in the latest decision.
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"Top news for football and for players," Klopp said of the development. "We all know the situation is nobody will step aside in any competition or country.
"So the players play more and with all we know, we try to help with recovery. No other sport has this for such a long period. I'm happy."
The changes will come into place next season, ensuring a mid-season alteration - opposed by some - does not take place. "Each time [the proposed increase] was rejected, mainly because the rule change was proposed after the season had started and a radical change halfway through a season is never a good idea," West Ham's Brady said.
Klopp's support for the change was shared by the Professional Footballers' Association. The body has commented on the matter in the past, and PFA Chief Maheta Molango welcomed the new developments.
“When meeting our members, the most common issue they want to discuss is the impact of fixture congestion," Molango said.. "It’s clear to me that the number of games being played is directly affecting players’ health and wellbeing.
“The adoption of this rule is a welcome step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue, making sure they have the opportunity to perform at their best and to maintain the competitive edge that makes English football the best in the world.”
