Jurgen Klopp released a statement lauding the Premier League’s decision to suspend play through April 3, lauding the move and explaining that sports are second to public health.
“First and foremost, all of us have to do whatever we can to protect one another,” Klopp wrote in a post on the Liverpool official website. “In society I mean. This should be the case all the time in life, but in this moment I think it matters more than ever. I’ve said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things. Today, football and football matches really aren’t important at all.”
Liverpool is one team that will likely be dismayed by the current situation, with the Reds just inches from the Premier League title finish line. Klopp and company can secure the Premier League title with a magic number of six, meaning a combination of six points gained on their own and dropped by Manchester City would mathematically secure the crown. However, if the season is permanently altered, that could affect their standing as official league champions.
Still, Klopp was unmoved on if the decision to suspend the season was correct.“Of course, we don’t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don’t want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy - just one - we do it no questions asked. If it’s a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it’s no contest. Really, it isn’t.”
“Today’s decision and announcement is being implemented with the motive of keeping people safe. Because of that we support it completely. We have seen members of teams we compete against become ill. This virus has shown that being involved in football offers no immunity. To our rival clubs and individuals who are affected and to those who later will become so, you are in our thoughts and prayers.”As a result of the current situation surrounding COVID-19, Liverpool has suspended all training at its Melwood ground, instead giving players individual training programs to do on their own.
More coronavirus connections to soccer
- Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi is the first Premier League player to test positive for coronavirus.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested posted for coronavirus and the players and staff at the club are self-isolating.
- MLS announced its 2020 season is suspended for at least 30 days.
- UEFA announce videoconference meeting next week to discuss plans for Champions League, Europa League and EURO 2020.
- Three Leicester City players are in self-isolation after displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
- Sampdoria and Italy striker Manolo Gabbiadini tests positive for coronavirus.
- Real Madrid players in isolation and La Liga games suspended for the next two weeks after Real basketball player tests positive for coronavirus.
- Serie A is considering alternative ways to conclude its scudetto and relegation races, including playoffs or the non-awarding of a champion.
- Juventus confirm that their defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for coronavirus.
- Sevilla v. Roma and Inter Milan v. Getafe postponed in the UEFA Europa League due to travel restrictions between Spain and Italy.
- Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis being diagnosed with coronavirus. Olympiacos and Forest have since confirmed all of their staff and players have been tested and their tests have come back as negative.