Pundit baffled by Jurgen Klopp after behind-the-scenes Liverpool news – ‘I don’t understand’
Alan Hutton “does not understand” why Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp “complains so much” about the fixture schedule.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and Aston Villa defender said every club has to deal with fixture congestion and Klopp is fortunate enough to have a bigger squad than others.
On 28 July, the Liverpool Echo reported that the Reds have attempted to extend their pre-season by organising a behind closed doors friendly with Aston Villa on Sunday (7 August).
The game is due to take place just over 24 hours after their 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday (6 August).
Klopp said the Merseyside club “have to extend” their pre-season in order to get their players up to match fitness.
Hutton admitted Liverpool played an “incredible” amount of games last season.
“I think as a manager you have to look out for your squad that’s what you’re there for,” he told Football Insider.
“Liverpool played so many games last season, domestically, cup games, Europe, it’s quite incredible the amount of games some of these players are being able to play now.
“If you go back ten years, to play 35 or 40 games was unbelievable and unheard of. Now you’re playing 60-odd and then you’ve got internationals.
“I understand at certain periods when they’ve got games during the week in Europe and then they’re coming back to early kick-offs on the Saturday, it’s not ideal but everybody has to deal with it. If you’re at a top club, you’ve got a top squad, you’ve got a big squad and you can rotate.
“So I don’t really see the harm in it. I don’t really understand why he complains so much but he’s there, ultimately, to protect his team and protect his players and he will always do that.“
In other news, a pundit has suggested Liverpool have learnt their lesson after Diogo Jota news confirmed.