“Jurgen (Klopp) Complained a Lot” – Arne Slot Points Out Disliked Schedule Remembering Ex-Liverpool Boss

The coach and season might have changed, but problems remain the same for Liverpool. The Reds missed the Premier League title after some sub-par performances at the end of the tournament, in May. But as it aims to wipe out the flaws from last season, Liverpool’s new coach Arne Slot was reminded of Jurgen Klopp’s concern regarding the Premier League schedule. FA’s itinerary troubled even the best of managers like Pep Guardiola. However, Slot doesn’t seem bothered, as he has other preferences.

According to Echo, Feyenoord’s manager is preparing to set his team for next season and will start their campaign against Ipswich Town on 17th August. And with the club once again starting their game on a Saturday noon at 12:30 pm, Slot said, “They’ve told me it’s going to be 12.30,” “From what I know, Jurgen (Klopp) complained a lot about this so probably they thought, with Jurgen being out let’s put them at 12.30 again!” with a little humor. Liverpool’s previous coach had a lot of aversion toward a 12:30 start on Saturdays.

Having to play multiple competitions, with some matches as early as Saturday afternoon following a midweek European fixture, proved frustrating for Klopp. In 2018, the German manager named it the Breakfast slot after his Merseyside Derby was pulled behind to a Saturday afternoon start, just three days after a Champions League game against Manchester City. No other club than Liverpool received more matches in that slot, which forced Jurgen to call it an insane move by the organizers.

Players in the top tier demand adequate rest between matches to prevent injuries which have been plaguing teams for the last few seasons. Manchester City’s coach also cited a similar concern with the FA after their clamped schedules resulted in fatigue for their players. Nevertheless, Slot is relaxed this season and wants to keep looking ahead.

Arne Slot is unfazed by the afternoon start but reveals another desire

It’s possible that by now, Liverpool is accustomed to 12:30 pm kick-offs, having played roughly 13.6% of the time since Klopp became manager. The Dutch coach is relieved as the team won’t compete in the Europa League on Thursdays this season. Meanwhile, Slot wished he could start his managerial campaign at Anfield, but he will play the first game away. He further stated, “I think every team might prefer a home game to start with, but we’re going to face Ipswich and we are looking forward to that.”

Subsequently, Liverpool will be back at Anfield against Brentford in the second matchday to begin their new era. However, the club will go in again as one of the favorites, along with Manchester City and Arsenal. But whether they can stay composed and win the title, this upcoming season will be revealed in due time.