[ad_1]
Has Klopp given up on five-subs crusade? Liverpool boss might be desperate for mid-season rule change, but NO club even raised the issue on today’s Premier League shareholders call
- Jurgen Klopp’s call for five substitutes has prompted fierce debate among clubs
- Change has been voted down twice at Premier League shareholders’ meetings
- Klopp has said there is now a majority of coaches in favour after string of injuries
- But at today’s meeting the issue was not on the agenda and no club raised it
Jurgen Klopp has made his views clear on the urgent need for the Premier League to change the rules and allow five substitutes mid-season, but Liverpool chose not to raise the matter when the top-tier clubs met today.
As revealed by Sportsmail today, the issue was not included on the Premier League shareholders’ meeting agenda, but any club could have brought it up and secured a vote.
A rule change would require at least 14 clubs voting in favour for it to be carried.
Jurgen Klopp has is concerned over the number of injuries to players due to fixture congestion
However, despite Klopp claiming that he had the backing of 14 other managers for the move to five subs, which would be enough to carry any vote, Liverpool did not bring it up.
Liverpool have suffered a horrendous run of injuries. Most recently, James Milner went down with a hamstring problem in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, but Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson are all on the treatment table.
Klopp and other top-flight managers believe the number of fixtures and rapid turnarounds for some matches following midweek games, combined with a shortened preseason, are to blame.
They argue the circumstances amount to an exceptional situation, which needs to be addressed.
Five substitutions were permitted during last summer’s finish to the Premier League campaign, as fixtures came thick and fast.
But only nine clubs supported maintaining the five subs rule this term when it came to a vote.
Klopp and Pep Guardiola are united in their belief that five substitutes would prevent injury
The impact of fixture congestion and the large number of injuries sustained across the league this term has led to some clubs changing their position and joining Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, who have been advocates of the move.
A survey of Premier League managers’ opinions undertaken by Sportsmail earlier this month, suggested that 12 clubs were firmly in favour, or prepared to go with the change, and two were persuadable depending on the evidence put forward.
The EFL changed its rules mid season to allow five substitutes amid concern over injuries
A number of the less wealthy clubs have opposed the move, either because they do not agree that three substitutes pose a risk to the players’ welfare or because they believe five substitutes will hand a further advantage to the wealthiest clubs who have deeper squads.
Klopp has accused Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder of being selfish for opposing the change.
Today’s, Premier League shareholders’ meeting was dominated by the EFL bailout and discussions over the return of fans to stadiums.
James Milner suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday
| Team | What the Manager Said |
|---|---|
| In Favour | |
| Manchester City | ‘We don’t protect the players, that’s why it’s a disaster.’ |
| Liverpool | ‘It’s not an advantage, it’s a necessity. 100 per cent.’ |
| Manchester United | ‘I cannot believe the vote went against, because we have to look after the players.’ |
| Arsenal | ‘We have to protect (players) as much as possible.’ |
| Chelsea | ‘Everywhere else has five subs, so we have to revisit this.’ |
| Brighton | ‘It lightens the load… and gives a help towards the players.’ |
| Southampton | ‘Five subs in this special season with this very intense time… It’s OK for me.’ |
| Go With It | |
| West Ham United | ‘For this season only… I wouldn’t be against going to five substitutions.’ |
| West Brom | ‘It would help to keep the health of the players. The Premier League must decide.’ |
| Leicester City | ‘I wouldn’t be against being able to use five substitutes in a game.’ |
| Everton | ‘I am for three… but if five can help the health of the players we can have five.’ |
| Tottenham | ‘I am OK with three; I am OK with five.’ |
| Persuadable | |
| Fulham | ‘If five subs is proven to improve player wellbeing… I’ll be the first to say I understand’ |
| Crystal Palace | ‘I’d be happy enough to say if it’s what everybody wants, go along with it.’ |
| Against | |
| Burnley | ‘For the big clubs who play lots of games, of course it is useful.’ |
| Sheffield | ‘I’m bothered about Sheffield United and it doesn’t help us to have five subs.’ |
| Newcastle | ‘I voted against it. I still don’t think [lack of subs] is the real reason of players’ fatigue.’ |
| Wolves | ‘My opinion doesn’t change. I am not 100% sure [more subs is] going to prevent injury.’ |
| Aston Villa | ‘I’m not seeing any trends from my players that suggest player welfare is an issue.’ |
| Leeds United | Marcelo Bielsa is the only manager not to have clarified his position, but Leeds were previously reported to have opposed the return to five substitutes. |
Advertisement
[ad_2]
Source link
Have something to say? Leave a comment: