Not on the same page.
Jurgen Klopp is at the end of his tether when it comes to the argument for more substitutes in the domestic game. This week, Premier League clubs voted against five subs for a third time – much to the consternation of the Liverpool manager. He has suffered more than most from physical stress-related injuries this term and has been lobbying hard for a change to the rules. Alas so far he has proved unsuccessful.
Klopp on subs rule – the boss' mind hasn't changed on the matter #LFC pic.twitter.com/IWzaHfNwuV
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 18, 2020
“Everybody knows my opinions about it,” Klopp said on Friday. “Everyone knows 10 clubs voted against it. It was not about advantages, it was only about player welfare. And they voted against it.” The ten clubs the German was referring to are: Aston Villa, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leicester City, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite not being in that number, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti made it very clear on Friday that he was diametrically opposed to Klopp’s views. Indeed, his belief is that five subs would alter the nature of the game markedly, and that fatigued players should be left out of matchday squads altogether – rather than be risked for a period in the game.
“In my personal opinion, three substitutes is enough to change the game.” Ancelotti explained defiantly. “I understand some managers want to have five but if you need to rest the player because of busy schedule, you can keep him out at the beginning of the game, and not sub him after 60-70 minutes.”
Both greatly respected in the game, both at loggerheads over player welfare.
