Jurgen Klopp has accused the Premier League and television companies of sabotaging Liverpool ’s quest for honours.
And the Reds boss insisted that “no other league in the world”, would make such ridiculous demands on their teams, suggesting the broadcasters and governing bodies “using the fame” of the club to increase revenue.
In an emotional outburst, Klopp argued that they he can’t even think of aiming for a quadruple, or winning the Champions League. He said: “You cannot ‘go’ for four trophies. We are part of four competitions. How can I sit here now and think about winning the Champions’ League?
“The schedule, and how people use the fame in the moment - Liverpool is hot and everyone wants to see them - they couldn’t care less. It’s just not OK.” Klopp in particular is incensed that should Liverpool beat Benfica to reach the Champions League semi final - and a possible meeting with Bayern Munich, his side will be forced to play Newcastle at 12.30 on the following Saturday lunch time.
And he blasted: “If we get through tomorrow we have a semi final, and then BT and the Premier League thought we should have Newcastle away at 12.30. If we play a Champions League semi final, find me another league in the world and another broadcaster in the world who would put that team in a 12.30. Throw them a little stick between the legs! What are you doing? Why would you do that? It’s because nobody cares. It’s unbelievably difficult.”
Klopp has already hinted he will be forced to freshen up his team to face Benfica, because of the intensity of Sunday’s epic showdown with City. One of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could be rested, or even both, while Joel Matip could be replaced by Ibramhima Konate, and Naby Keita could return.
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The manager knows he has another draining clash with City in the FA Cup final on Sunday, but argues that it is the previous game which will influence his team selection against Benfica. And he said reaching the semi final of Europe’s premier competition is the biggest priority.
He added: “You have City either side, people think you can focus elsewhere. We see it slightly differently. The next game has absolutely no influence on the line-up tomorrow night, but the last game obviously has. So we have to see. It is a super intense schedule. This is a super, super, super important game. We tried to hard to qualify for the Champions League, and now we can make it to the semis, which is incredible, and that’s what we want to show tomorrow.
“There is nobody injured, as far as I know, but we have to be careful with who is fresh enough for this game. It is a super-important game, but we are in a world where if you win the first leg 3-1 and you have City either side, people think you can focus elsewhere. But this is the most important - Benfica play football, and if you don’t focus, then you have a real problem.”
