'People misunderstand it' - Jurgen Klopp clarifies 'joke' kick-off comments as Liverpool boss admits to disappointing supporters
Jurgen Klopp has moved to clarify comments made around the 12.30pm kick-off slot, saying criticism of his observations are misunderstood.
The Liverpool manager aired his frustrations last week after being given the first slot of the weekend's fixtures at Wolves as the Premier League returned following the international break.
With players like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker all on duty for their South American nations during the break, Klopp branded the decision from the television companies as "a joke" in his Friday press conference last week.
IAN DOYLE: What LASK players did on pitch after full time proves Liverpool point as FSG supremo watches on
THEO SQUIRES: Ben Doak learns harsh lesson as Luis Diaz proves number doubters wrong
Liverpool played at 12.30pm six times last season and having negotiated the trip to Wolves with a 3-1 win last week, they will face Everton shortly after midday following the October international break also.
Klopp insists his comments were about asking for help from those deciding the TV coverage in an effort to make the Premier League the best product it can be worldwide.
"It's no problem [playing] Thursday-Sunday," Klopp said ahead of this weekend's 2pm visit from West Ham United. "It would be better if we played a little bit later but people misunderstand it when you talk about the 12.30pm. It is only two and a half hours before the 3pm games, that is true but it is completely different when you have a pre-match meal at 9am.
"It means the boys are really not there yet because they come from a completely different time zone. And everyone who has ever had jet lag knows how that feels.
"Even if you don't get jet lag, you feel the difference and then you
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
