Jurgen Klopp hits out at Liverpool’s fixture chaos ahead of clash with Brighton

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested the FA Cup should not have a weekend matchday with his team’s ‘tight’ schedule building up before their trip to Brighton.

The Reds, still feeling the effects of playing 63 games in all competitions last season, travel to the Amex this weekend and Klopp couldn’t resist another rant about the club’s match chaos.

Liverpool have two games to play but will participate in the Champions League round of 16 after booking a round of 16 tie against Real Madrid next month, meaning more slots will be booked on midweek.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested the FA Cup should not have a weekend matchday amid its backlog of games this season.

Klopp acknowledged the fact that progression in the FA Cup this year will make his scheduling situation even more ‘complicated’ should Brighton be sacked and says he has ‘no idea’ when the powers that be will be in the games. Liverpool free.

“We’re not famous for spending a lot of time in cups other than last year,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

‘The cups are always difficult when you have games during the week because you have to be attentive and now we have a full week to prepare for the game.

‘In our busy schedule, I’m not sure the FA Cup should have a weekend matchday, but we do. We take care of it. It’s good to prepare but it makes things more difficult.

‘We still have two games on our hands, someone has to fit it in somewhere. There is no news about it yet. I have no idea when that will happen. The more we advance in the cup competitions, the more complicated it will be. It’s not a problem for now.

Klopp admits he has “no idea” when his team will play their remaining two games this season

It is not the first time that Klopp has complained about Liverpool’s problems.

In August, he likened the schedule to a climate crisis with players facing a season of up to 76 games after the World Cup break in November.

Everybody knows it’s not right. Something has to change,’ she said.

It’s like with the weather. We all know that we have to change but no one is saying what we have to do. If you make it to the World Cup final, win or lose, there will be seven games.

‘And then there will also be a game for third place. And the league starts a week later.

‘It’s just not right, but it was decided a long time ago. Everyone says it’s for the right reasons…

“I wasn’t mad at all before I came here, but then we started talking about it and I get really mad.

Why don’t we talk about it and do it correctly? Let’s say: “Ladies and gentlemen, FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League and the FA, let’s start talking to each other about this issue.” There must be a meeting where everyone sits together and the only topic is the most important part of this game: the players.

Liverpool, who played 63 times last season, are having a difficult season and are in ninth place.

‘Some coaches will talk about it from time to time, but everyone else has their own interests and that doesn’t make it easy.

“This World Cup is happening at the wrong time for the wrong reasons, but it’s all good.”

Liverpool will be looking to avenge their humiliating loss to the Seagulls earlier this month (losing 3-0 at the same stadium), but Klopp says he won’t force his players to watch the whole game. The Reds are having a tough season and currently sit in 9th place.

‘We won’t show you every situation from the Brighton game. It would be a proper horror show,” he added.

“It also felt so bad for the players, it’s about a change and an overall improvement. You can lose a game, but if you learn from it, that’s also important.

‘Against Brighton it’s very important how we defend the front row. If the front three aren’t defending well, they just pass through you.

Liverpool have a chance to avenge their 3-0 loss to Brighton this month ahead of their FA Cup clash against the Seagulls this weekend.

‘If you defend Brighton with seven players… there is no chance. It’s about how we defend in general.

Meanwhile, Klopp confirmed that defender Nat Phillips could leave Anfield before the end of the transfer window next week.

The 25-year-old is fifth-choice centre-back and has only made five appearances this season and youngster Rhys Williams’ retirement this week from a loan spell at Blackpool could pave the way for his departure.

“It depends if there are offers,” Klopp said when asked if Phillips could leave.

“We have to be prepared for almost everything, the 31st is the deadline and we’ll see.”