Jurgen Klopp is going to need all of his squad during the festive period, such is the seemingly crazy fixture list which has been put at our door.
On New Year’s Eve, we face Manchester City at Anfield at 5:30pm. Then, 45 hours later, we’re expected to play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light at 3PM on January 2nd.
Two Premier League games less than two days apart – that’s madness – isn’t it?
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The Guardian report that the game versus City was moved to a late kick-off for TV purposes, but when Liverpool told the Premier League the situation this would create, they rejected our concern – claiming that dealing with individual clubs on a case by case basis would be unfair.
When it was first announced, Jurgen Klopp was furious and now our appeal has been rejected he’s likely to be even angrier. Here’s what he said at the time of the fixture announcement:
“Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea but less than 48 hours I cannot believe. Forty-eight hours between two games – how does this work? How do you prepare a team for this? Do you say: ‘Only 50% against City because we have Sunderland on Monday.’ It doesn’t sound like it is right.
“Everyone is asking: ‘Why is England not too successful in big tournaments?’ Ask what other big countries are doing at this time of year – they have their legs on the sofa and are watching English football.”
Thankfully, we have a bench full of players such as Alberto Moreno, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Lucas, Ragnar Klavan, Simon Mignolet – hopefully these subs will have enough to down the Black Cats – as we have no choice but to go full strength verses title challengers City.