Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, has launched a scathing attack on TNT Sports and other broadcasters in England. He accuses them of contributing to the failure of Premier League clubs in Europe this season.
Klopp was ready to settle scores before his penultimate game at Anfield against Tottenham on Sunday. His targets included broadcasters and Fifa. The Premier League has lost out to the Bundesliga for an extra Champions League place next season due to its clubs' performances this season. After Aston Villa’s home defeat in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg, there may be no representatives from England in a European final.
The Liverpool manager pinned the blame on the fixture schedule, a long-standing concern of his. He accused broadcasters of undermining their key business model product.’
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, said:
“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 [next season; Carabao Cup semi-finals to one leg] but give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to ask: ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.
“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. They always say: ‘They pay you. They give money for football.’ 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."
Liverpool have had most 12:30 pm Saturday kick-offs this season and since the start of the 2017-18 campaign.
Klopp ruled any chances of future in football administration
Given his impending departure from Liverpool and concerns over how football is being run, Klopp was asked about considering a role in football administration in future. However, he did not provide any clear indication about such prospects.
Jurgen Klopp added:
“I got an award yesterday from the PFA, I don’t know exactly for what, but I think for speaking up for players. I never thought about it but they will need people in a normal age knowing the business. But imagine me becoming Fifa president? It is obviously a well-paid job – that is why they all want to do it; not the official part obviously, but you can make a living from it. I don’t think I will spend my lifetime on these kind of things. Alone you can’t change anything. I probably wouldn’t survive in that sea of sharks.”
Klopp also addressed recent controversies surrounding Mohamed Salah’s behaviour in the West Ham match last Saturday which he described as “completely resolved” and a “non-story”. He insisted that there were no signs indicating that Salah wants to leave Anfield this summer.
Klopp says Liverpool’s squad has everything to dominate
In terms of leadership transition at Liverpool, it has been confirmed that Feyenoord's Arne Slot will become their head coach next season. Despite what some might consider a disappointing end to his tenure, Klopp believes his successor will inherit “a fantastic squad”.
Jurgen Klopp, added:
“You always can improve but the basis is absolutely great, look at the age of the midfield: really top. The basis we created is really good and that was the job, I thought. We tried to win the league but it didn’t work out, but you have to see it in the long term as well. Liverpool 2.0 does not end with me. It’s just the new Liverpool. It’s just the start, they can make the next steps.”
While Jürgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool may be coming to an end, his passion for the game and concern for its future remain undiminished. His criticisms of broadcasters and fixture schedules highlight ongoing issues in football management that need addressing to ensure the continued success of Premier League clubs both domestically and in Europe.
