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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp intensified his criticism of British sports broadcasters for his team’s match schedules, linking midfielder James Milner’s injury to the early start of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Klopp had already made his feelings known about the decision to have Liverpool play at lunchtime on Saturday after having been in action in the Champions League on Wednesday.
When asked by BT Sport interviewer Des Kelly if Milner’s injury, which led to him leaving in the 74th minute, was a hamstring, Klopp said, “Yes. Congratulations.”
When Kelly asked if the German was blaming him personally for the injury, Klopp said: “No, but you work for them. Hamstring, surprise, and they also had injuries. But ask Chris Wilder how we can avoid that.”
Sheffield United manager Wilder had criticized Klopp and other big club managers for demanding five substitutes be allowed back into the league, and on other issues.
“He is a world-class coach and a world-class politician, who cares about Liverpool,” Wilder had said. “That’s all he cares about.”
Klopp said the decision to put Liverpool into service early on Saturday put players at risk.
“After Wednesday, Saturday at 12:30 is really dangerous for the players. You don’t do that often,” he said.
Kelly argued that Liverpool officials had agreed with other Premier League clubs on the contract to broadcast spaces for the games.
Klopp responded that the special situation with a compressed schedule this season required a different approach.
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