Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp says he wishes the Premier League allowed more time for Liverpool and Manchester United to prepare for Saturday’s encounter.
The German tactician noted that the short turnaround from the international break will affect the game.
The Reds host arch-rivals United at Anfield in the weekend’s early kick-off, with all of Klopp’s players on national team duty reporting back to Melwood two days ago.
Klopp told a press conference on Friday, “It’s a massive game. I would love to ask the Premier League to give both teams more time to prepare for a game like this.
“Our fans are waiting for a game since the last two weeks and since we played them last year.
“It’s a pretty big game, so maybe next time they will have a look and bring these teams together when they can work in the direction of this game.
“Sometimes I really could have wished that we had much more time until such an important game to make the preparation. But it’s our job and our challenge. It’s the same for the other team. Let’s go.
“England played a friendly game on an artificial surface, it was a qualifying game but they were already qualified.
“I was not happy that ‘Hendo’ was on the pitch to be honest with all the problems he’s had in the past — I thought it made no sense.
“We cannot be involved in this — they all make their own decisions. No manager of a national side has asked me so far before a game: ‘How would you line up?'”
“The club is doing everything to bring the boys back,” the Reds boss added. “We work really close together with other clubs in this region so we can bring all the South American players home together.
“That’s good. Phil played two games, Roberto played around about five minutes or something like this so it’s different of course, but they both had a long flight — even when it was pretty comfortable, I’m sure. I was not in the plane, but I can imagine because I saw the price.
“So, they should be okay, and they are important, yes.”
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