Medical expert rubbishes Jurgen Klopp claim as ‘unique’ Liverpool dressing room situation analysed
The Liverpool dressing room is currently dealing with “unique psychological stress” despite Jurgen Klopp’s claim to the contrary.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Liverpool, who have already lifted the League Cup and FA Cup this term, finished the Premier League season a single point behind Man City after a dramatic final day last Sunday (22 May).
Next up is Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday (28 May), their 63rd match in all competitions in 2021-22.
As quoted by BBC Sport last Friday (20 May), Klopp asserted that there is “no pressure” on his team as they have already achieved great things this term.
Dinnery doubted this claim but saluted the behind-the-scenes team for helping Liverpool’s stars cope with the physical and psychological stress of an extraordinary campaign.
“I wouldn’t like to single out a department,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Collectively, the club themselves are only with the players a small percentage of the time. Away from the training centre, you’re relying on players eating properly and getting an adequate amount of rest and recovery.
“In terms of the sports science department, they manage the load and keep players fit and healthy. Availability for the second half of the season in particular has been fantastic.
“They have played over 60 games this season. No one has played more minutes. There have been one or two slight muscle problems recently but nothing major.
“They play a lot of games at an intense pace and with a tight turnaround, but there is also unique psychological pressure. The period they have been in has been so high-pressure.
“There is so much on the line in every game. Dealing with that isn’t something you can attribute to a single department. I think the club as a collective have got that absolutely nailed on.”
Liverpool could be without Thiago Alcantara for the final in Madrid after he limped off against Wolves.
Divock Origi is also sidelined, but Liverpool otherwise are likely to have a clean bill of health.
In other news, pundit suggests Takumi Minamino could leave Liverpool this summer after journalist’s Leeds update.