Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Friday stepped up his calls to protect players from burn-out after claiming England's festive fixture pile-up was bad for the sport, reports AFP. Klopp is one of a growing number of Premier League managers frustrated by the demands placed on top-flight teams by England's domestic competitions and television's unquenchable thirst to show the games. Liverpool are down to 12 fit senior outfield players after a host of injuries in recent weeks, while Tottenham star Harry Kane suffered a torn hamstring on New Year's Day and Newcastle lost four players in one match.
"I told what I had to say to UEFA personally, I told FIFA sometimes in interviews because I don't know anyone there and I don't think the Premier League, FA (Football Association) or Football League are in any doubt of my opinion," Klopp told reporters on Friday. "I just do that not because of me but because I think someone has to speak for the players”.
"We love this game but in the end we have to make sure that we can all come through and in the end the best team wins and not the most lucky with injuries. If you need me in the discussion I am pretty much there."