Premier League

'Congratulations' - sarcastic Klopp continues battle with TV scheduling

The Liverpool manager isn't happy with his side playing in the 12.30 kick off slot after playing in Europe on Wednesday evening

 
2:05pm on Sunday 29th November 2020
By
Emmet Gates

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has continued to battle against TV scheduling, after being involved in an extraordinary row with BT Sport presenter Des Kelly.

Liverpool played Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, and less than three days later faced off against Brighton in the 12.30 kick-off slot.

The Reds took the lead through Diogo Jota, before Brighton equalised through a controversial VAR decision right at the death, and also had a goal chopped off when Mo Salah ran clear to score only to have his effort disallowed for the tightest of offside calls.

The point meant Liverpool went temporarily top of the table, but Klopp wasn't happy, as James Milner went off with a muscle injury in the 74th minute.

Speaking to Kelly after the game, Klopp couldn't hide his frustration.

Kelly: And James Milner, hamstring was it?

Klopp: Yeah, congratulations.

Kelly: What me, personally?

Klopp: But you work for them, yeah. Hamstring, surprise, and they had injuries but ask Chris Wilder how we can avoid that.

Kelly: Maybe you’re firing at the wrong target? We are broadcasters, we work within the Premier League rules, the Premier League makes the rules, that’s the Premier League clubs, so shouldn’t you be talking to Premier League clubs?

Klopp: I don’t know how often I have to say it, you picked the 12.30pm, not you personally, but you did it, us on 12.30pm, between now and December and New Year, one more Wednesday...

Manchester United and Chelsea, both of whom played in the Champions League on Tuesday night, against Rennes and Istanbul Basaksehir respectively, do not play in the Premier League until tomorrow.

On the other hand, both Liverpool and Manchester City, who played on Wednesday evening, were allocated the Saturday 12.30 and 3.00 slots. This gave them less than 72 hours recuperation time.

However, ahead of next week's Champions League games, Liverpool and City will gain an extra day's rest over Man United and Chelsea.

With the Christmas period on the horizon, and games coming thick and fast, this won't be the last time the issue is mentioned.

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