Moving to England means Jurgen Klopp’s Christmases aren’t what they used to be.
Back in his native Germany, the traditional winter break allowed Klopp’s Dortmund side to rest their Gegenpress-weary limbs for a few weeks before doing their best to keep pace with Bayern Munich in the new year.
In England, the festive period just so happens to be one of the most congested times in the football calendar, and one that will see Liverpool play twice within the space of 48 hours this season. Discussing how such tightly-packed fixture lists make injuries an inevitability, Klopp appeared to hit out at Raymond Verheijen during his latest press conference.
“We play two games in 48 hours,” he explained. “There will be injuries and then some Dutch guy [on Twitter] will say things.”
“Our job is to do everything we can to work games. I would never say Boxing Day is not a good idea because I love it.
In the past, fitness specialist and “Dutch guy” Verheijen has suggested that Klopp’s high intensity style of play contributes to injuries.
Wind yer neck in, egg head! pic.twitter.com/IAQggMdPb8
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) October 14, 2016
If Raymond Verheijen had got the job ahead of Chris Coleman, we could be looking forward to the Egg Man managing one of the teams in #WALRUS
— Tom Victor (@tomvictor) June 20, 2016
In response to Klopp’s comments, Verheijen, who despite his long-time Twitter picture is not actually an egg, tweeted the following…
And also this:
The press conference by Liverpool coach Klopp is a great lesson for all coaches. Never let 'a Dutch guy' or anyone else get under your skin.
— Raymond Verheijen (@raymondverheije) October 14, 2016
Fortunately for Klopp, he has the small matter of Monday’s visit from Manchester United to take his mind off things.
And speaking of injuries, Klopp is yet to rule out Adam Lallana and Geroginio Wijnaldum despite both players being reportedly doubtful for the match.
The boss has not ruled out Adam Lallana or @GWijnaldum for #LFCvMUFC. pic.twitter.com/FgFKxanVHp
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 14, 2016
