Jurgen Klopp on ‘catastrophe’ Liverpool face due to Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United clash, and Fabinho and Matip injury update
Jurgen Klopp believes the Africa Cup of Nations changing dates to the middle of the season will be a ‘catastrophe’ for Liverpool.
The Reds face losing three of their star players for a significant portion of the campaign so they can play in the 2021 competition.
The decision was made following a Confederation of African Football meeting which decided the summer climate of host nation Cameroon would be too much for the players to deal with.
Egypt talisman Mohamed Salah and Senegal star Sadio Mane are near certainties to be picked for their national sides for the finals.
Liverpool could also be without midfielder Naby Keita, who will represent Guinea if they qualify for the tournament.
Klopp said: ”The African Cup of Nations going back to January is, for us, a catastrophe.
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“We will not sell Sadio, Mo or Naby now because they have a tournament in January and February – of course not.
“But if you have to make a decision about bringing in a player it is a massive one because before the season you know for four weeks you don’t have them.
“That’s a normal process and as a club you have to think about these things. It doesn’t help the players, for sure.”
Klopp was speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday, and here is the best of what he said…
Klopp on VAR
“Only reason for having it is to use it. I don’t know why they [pitchside monitors] aren’t used so far. We want the right decisions so we should use all sources. It won’t happen five or six times a game.
“It’s just about 100 per cent clarification that is needed.”
Manchester United match
“An important football game, like games against all opponents. We have to learn to deal with this in the right manner. We can improve.
“Old Trafford was a good example; we were not at out best because of their quality. We have to make it more likely we’re at our best.
“We all know how important it is to our supporters. We play all games for our fans, not just these games. Natural enemy with the history and success. We said long ago we have to write our own history.
“It is strange when you play a high-quality team, which United still is. We had that last week with Tottenham.
“They don’t only play counter-attack but it’s a main thing. If people want to see it as criticism, I can’t change this.
“Against Spurs we had 80 per cent possession after 70 mins, that is not normal. I don’t say [Man United] only counter-attack and it is not a criticism just a description.”
Joel Matip and Fabinho injury update
“Matip and Fab trained normally yesterday so they are likely to be in the squad. The other three will not.
“Dejan [Lovren] will train from Monday onwards, other two we cannot rush. When I am told they are ready, it is cool.”
Clean sheets
“We were never concerned about not having them. You want them cause it makes it likely you win. Never the same goal we conceded. Lack of concentration here and there, not a clear pattern. Just getting used to each other, luck in the right moments.
“It was not about Adrian, it was just getting convinced with each other. Life in football without luck, you don’t have a chance.
“Spurs and Wolves had shooting opportunities. We haven’t defended perfect last six games, lots of room to improve.”
On Trent Alexander-Arnold
“The games he plays will make him better, this team, these players. His game understanding will improve naturally. Apart from injuries, I don’t see what can stop him.
“Attitude and background is so good. Passionate, yes but calm as well. Very good basis created.
“His family keep him grounded. Not sure he needs to but if he starts flying, they [will stop it], I am not sure I need to.
“It is pretty likely he will have a proper career. Long, long, long may it continue.”
On fixture overload
“I feel massively for Harry Kane, I now hear he may not be in the Euros.
“For the first time some English people in the FA may think: ‘Oh, too many games maybe’.
“Something has to happen for them to really start thinking about it.”