Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool's potential Christmas schedule is 'worst you can get'

Last updated on 29 September 2017.From the section Football308

Mohamed Salah scored as Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-0 last month

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his side's potential Christmas schedule is "possibly the worst you can get".

Reports suggest Liverpool could be forced to play four games in nine days, including an away fixture against Arsenal on Christmas Eve.

It would be the first top-flight game for 22 years to be held on 24 December.

"If the supporters want to see a game on Christmas Eve then probably the television broadcaster will find a way to deliver it," Klopp said.

"If we play on December 24th I am not sure we can fight against it."

The Premier League are set to release the televised fixtures for the Christmas period in the week beginning 16 October.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Klopp added: "Sky has to make a decision if they really want to bring supporters on to the streets that night.

"For us, we are used to it. It is not a normal time and if we don't play on the 24th, we'll play the 25th or 26th. But it is still Christmas for our families.

"Just think of all the other people involved who have to go there. Maybe we will play without the media - that would be nice, just one camera.

"I really cannot imagine that anyone wants to watch football on that night."

View from the fans

James McKenna, from the Liverpool supporters group 'Spirit of Shankly' told BBC Radio 5 live: "It seems that in pursuit of the TV schedule people who actually go to football matches have been forgotten.

"It's not physically impossible, 22 footballers can turn up and play on Christmas Eve but if you're a fan, you're saying on Christmas Eve you won't do anything you usually do.

"There has been no consultation with supporters. The Premier League and Sky should understand our concerns and seeing as it's the season of good will, we would ask them to show a bit and not schedule any matches for that day.

"There is lots of anger and frustration from Arsenal supporters too. If it doesn't happen to us, this could well happen to one of the other 18 teams."

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308 comments

Comment posted by Craigeyboy, at 18:33 29 Sep 2017
A Christmas Eve fixture is a bad idea; if you're going to do it, at least make it a local derby, to minimise travel.
More of Sky's influence over the PL. "Jump!" "How high?"
Fans aren't even an afterthought to either body.
Will be interesting if facebook / Amazon outbid them for the next major PL packages - would love to see Murdoch's rein end.
Comment posted by Geoff, at 18:29 29 Sep 2017
No problem for the Club / players etc , its the fans who get the bad deal
Comment posted by Carlo66, at 18:40 29 Sep 2017
The best way to protest this crazy idea is to simply not watch the TV, don't go to the match, it will soon end!
Comment posted by Rick OShea, at 18:42 29 Sep 2017
For over one hundred years the Christmas fixtures have been hectic enough, now thanks to Sky fans can not enjoy Christmas with their families if they have season tickets. I love the Christmas fixtures and so do my children, but Christmas eve and Christmas day is family days, Boxing day is when I take my lads to the games and it always costs me a small fortune, but they love it. Don't kill it off.
Comment posted by User0299014587, at 18:29 29 Sep 2017
As a Gooner and someone that is disillusioned with Premiere League Football this can be added to the many reasons why I have sold my season ticket for this season after 50 years and probably won’t renew next. A bonkers decisions (if true) and a complete disregard to the supporters and family’s of both teams.
Comment posted by D1692643258042, at 18:51 29 Sep 2017
No respect from Sky regarding British family values at Christmas and our two centuries of footballing heritage. The two days in the year when we can respect our family and Christian heritage. For many this is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

I hope the thing implodes and we get back to football's roots -a million miles from spoilt millionaires that have ruined the 'beautiful' game.
Comment posted by User0448292972, at 18:55 29 Sep 2017
Instead of joining together as fans of football to criticise this silly idea, people would prefer to stick with their rivalries and criticise Klopp/Liverpool. Disgusting.
Comment posted by bean43, at 18:44 29 Sep 2017
There should be a rule that any unsocial kick off time (such as 11.30, 12.00 or those changed at short notice) entitles the ticket holder to cancel their ticket, or receive a large discount.
Comment posted by Franklymydear, at 19:00 29 Sep 2017
@13 - Foolish Finkelstein, I think Klopp made it quite clear that it was about the supporters, not the himself or the players.
Instead of taking every perceived opportunity to swipe at Liverpool, why not take a little time to engage your brain?
Comment posted by Hot Bovril Cold Pie, at 19:03 29 Sep 2017
Funny if Sky end up choosing Man U's game for Christmas Eve instead, Maureen's meltdown would eclipse Klopp's.
Comment posted by D1679516480678, at 19:12 29 Sep 2017
Football sold its soul to the devil (aka Murdoch) and this is what you get, fans priced out of games, everyone paying stupid fees to watch footy on telly. It doesn't have to be this way but the people in charge will never walk away for the huge TV rights deals even though it serves no one except them.
Comment posted by Mesh, at 18:58 29 Sep 2017
All this moaning on here but I bet the game on 24th is a sell out.
Comment posted by Bezz, at 19:33 29 Sep 2017
Sky scheduling spoiled football for me long ago, do as I do don't watch the on the box. Go live to your local ground local team Saturday 3pm, it causes a lot less arguments with the Mrs and my social life's a lot better to.
Comment posted by User0727968219, at 18:53 29 Sep 2017
17. lillywhite

I don't know about the rest of you but I'm sick and tired of this guy moaning and speaking utter rubbish. If you're not happy then suggest you apply your trade outside of BBC HYS...it is that simple Mr Lillywhite...
Comment posted by grahame, at 20:06 29 Sep 2017
67 Matt. According to most on these HYS forums, it's Utd fans that come from there. It's irrelevant that it's Liverpool having to travel over 200 miles for a game on xmas eve, it could be any team from the north. The point is, supporters are supposed to be the life blood of football, not if you're a sky executive they aren't. That accusation could be levied at boardrooms as well
Comment posted by Andrew, at 18:51 29 Sep 2017
It makes little difference to the footballers... its the fans that want to watch the fixture that will suffer. Also transport on Christmas Eve is sketchy at best so why why change a long tradition of boxing day footy that we all look forward to???
Comment posted by User0813316933, at 19:33 29 Sep 2017
- Morning Darling, here's your present.

Oh thank you. Oh, an Arsenal mug, an Arsenal tea cosy and an Arsenal xmas jumper. Don't we support Liverpool?

- Yeah sorry Dear, I always do my shopping on Christmas eve.
Comment posted by grahame, at 21:38 29 Sep 2017
Plenty of contributors are having a go at the players. As far as I know, it's not them that's complaining, it's Klopp and the supporters. For Klopp you could say Mourinho, Guardiola or Benitez because if it happened to them, they would be shouting just as loudly. A few said Friday night PL football was a step too far but this proves that if a Sky wants to show a game, they'll get their own way.
Comment posted by cal, at 18:18 29 Sep 2017
"All I want for Christmas issssssssss twwoooooooooo" (half decent defenders)
Comment posted by User0727968219, at 18:38 29 Sep 2017
Don't forget that in many countries they celebrate Christmas on the 24th (they meet family, open presents and have a special meal in the afternoon and evening).
This includes Germany and France, so I can't see Wenger being happy with it either...