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Jurgen Klopp has spoken out against calls for a “circuit interruption” shutdown to help reduce COVID-19 infections in the Premier League, with the Liverpool manager saying games should continue due to measures of current security within the sport.
West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce said earlier this week that a temporary pause in matches was needed following an escalation in positive testing, within the Premier League and in wider society in the UK.
The upswing in positive cases led to the postponement of Everton’s clash with Manchester City on Monday and Tottenham’s home game against Fulham two days later.
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The Premier League reported eighteen positive tests among players and club staff earlier this week, but the league has said there are no plans to halt the 2020-21 season and Klopp, whose team faces Southampton at St. Mary’s. on Monday, he said a continuation of accessories is the best option.
“I’m not a specialist, but we all try to do our best to stay competitive,” Klopp said. “I think it works well.
“It’s understandable [to have concerns]but we try to do everything we can to keep the guys as safe as possible and I think the competition can continue.
“It’s important too. People want to see it, and in this case, we’re not a part of society because we usually isolate ourselves, we go to training ground and things like that, so I think we can really move on.
“But I am not a specialist and I respect all the decisions that are made in the coming weeks.”
The rise in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks has prompted the UK government to impose stricter social distancing measures, including a tiered system that has led to all Premier League clubs being located in the Level 3 or Level 4.
These are the highest levels that prevent fans from attending sports matches, ensuring that all matches will be played behind closed doors until further notice.
Klopp said, however, that no one should be surprised by the increase in cases and the consequent impact on football.
“I think everyone knew before that winter would probably be a second wave,” Klopp added. “Besides that for us and society, there was Christmas.
“It’s a challenge when it comes to self-isolation, so I’m not surprised that the numbers are going up. But also in football the numbers have gone up slightly.
Klopp also called for caution on Virgil van Dijk’s recovery from a cruciate ligament injury in his knee after the defender posted a video on social media showing him stepping up his physical work.
Van Dijk is struggling to play again this season after undergoing surgery in October to repair the ligament he injured during the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
“Progress? Well, very good, but there is still a long way to go,” Klopp said. “It’s this kind of injury.
“I can be happy when I watch these videos because it shows that we are making good progress, but it will still take a long time.
“I would like to say something else, but these are the facts.”
