BT Sport pundits respond to Jurgen Klopp’s ‘moans’ over Liverpool lineup

Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have responded to criticisms of Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool’s fixtures list.

Despite playing in the Champions League on Wednesday night, BT Sport have scheduled the Reds to face Brighton in the kick-off on Saturday noon.

This angered Klopp, who says the match schedule does not give players enough rest in what is already a hectic season due to the delayed start.

Still, BT Sport pundits dismissed Klopp’s criticism, saying he had a squad big enough to face the schedule.

Former Reds forward Peter Crouch admits his former team are in a difficult position, but argued that Klopp’s complaints are no different from those of former managers.

“It’s difficult,” he says. “The fact that they played on Wednesday night and then an early kickoff I think Jurgen thinks it’s against them right now and with the host of injuries they have, it’s a tough time for them.

“They should have more than enough to deal with it. Managers since the beginning of time have complained about meetings, and that will never change.”

Joe Cole, another Crouch expert, agreed.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea winger Cole has said the Reds have a goal on their heads after winning the Premier League last season but need to show resilience.

He said: “We have to pay homage to Liverpool. We have spoken lyrically about their quality, but they have to have resilience.

“When you’ve had so many injuries, and they’re the champions now, that’s when you have a squad of 23 – everyone’s shooting at you. Those boys came in, your Neco Williams – they have a chance now.

“You have to keep going, the managers have been constantly moaning about the game stacks since we started this game.

“It’s different this year because of Covid, because it wasn’t really a preseason. There have been more injuries, but they have to deal with it and they have enough to deal with it.”