The Liverpool manager warned that the new format will add extra pressure on the pre-existing heavy schedule.
The controversial European Super League was announced last Sunday, with twelve major clubs pledging to be the founding members. In response, UEFA rebuked the tournament and released plans of a reformed Champions League the very next day.
The ESL faced heavy wrath from football fans and governing associations and so just 48-hours after it saw daylight, the competition was suspended. Although nine of the twelve clubs pulled out after heavy condemnation, Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez stated that the ESL is currently “on standby.”
UEFA’s new Champions League however, seems obvious at some stage this decade. The league will be reshaped into a 36-team group stage that will see all teams play 10 different opponents in a league format.
“You can’t just introduce always more competitions.
“It’s very good that the new Super League is off the table, but the new Champions League isn’t great.
“Ten games rather than six and no idea where to put them in, the only people who never get asked are the coaches, the players and the supporters,”
said Klopp.
Klopp then blamed UEFA for prioritising commercial revenues over the players
“Uefa didn’t ask us, the Super League didn’t ask us. It’s just always ‘play more games’. The new Champions League, what’s the reason for that? Money… I have no idea how we’re supposed to deal with even more games.
You can’t have 20 teams in a league, two cup competitions, 10 international games before Christmas – these things aren’t possible.”
Liverpool, one of the top six English teams among the twelve founding clubs of the super league, were heavily criticised for their involvement. Klopp said that he was hurt seeing Liverpool’s reputation tarnish during the controversy.
“It is difficult for me in truth, because I have found some of the reaction around it difficult to take. And by this I don’t mean those who were against it or the protests. This was a great victory for football supporters – I want to make this clear from the outset. I agreed with their opposition. I made this clear to our owners,”
“The supporters’ actions have earned them distinction. Likewise the players. And THEY are the club. They always have been and always will be.
“So seeing a division appear was very difficult for me to accept. I now better understand the reasons why the supporters groups felt it necessary and I respect them but I would hope that we are never in this kind of situation again. They are always the solution and never the problem.”
Liverpool will be rooting for a top-four Premier League finish when they host Newcastle United on Saturday. The Merseyside club failed to win at Elland Road, holding out a 1-1 draw against Bielsa’s men last weekend. And before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal against Aston Villa earlier in April, Liverpool lost their last six at home and were winless in eight before that.
So, with the scandalous European Super League chapter behind them, Klopp’s side would prefer a fresh start to the remaining few weeks; satisfying the Anfield faithful with a top-four spot in the league race after a gruesome campaign. A well-rested Mohammed Salah and his attacking partners will be eager to wrap up three points against the Magpies as soon as possible.
