Tottenham and Chelsea will both enjoy a “massive advantage” this season because they aren’t competing in Europe, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
FEATURED VIDEO
Spurs and Chelsea will play fewer games during the 2023–24 season because they both missed out on the Conference League, Europa League, or Champions League last year. Meanwhile, Liverpool is participating in the Europa League, a league about which Klopp is already concerned that some of his stars may be overworked given the increased number of fixtures.
The Reds manager claims that the two London “heavyweights” will appreciate their less demanding schedules this season, despite the fact that his team was unable to defeat Chelsea on the opening day and faces Tottenham this Saturday after only having played once in Europe. Before facing Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs on Saturday, Klopp claimed that “Chelsea and Tottenham have no European football.”
“Two heavyweights who don’t play in European football have the entire week to train while other people go on vacation. It’s a significant benefit. This year, qualifying for the Champions League will be a huge challenge for us because Liverpool’s competitors will be well-rested.
In response to Chelsea’s injury issue last week, manager Mauricio Pochettino concurred with Klopp, saying: “Under the circumstances, I think it’s better for us [not to be in Europe] because we have 11 or 12 injured players. Now that we can rebound and become more competitive, I believe it’s crucial.
“But for Chelsea, participating in European competition is important, but I cannot control that right now. The truth is that. Next season, we will undoubtedly compete in European events. Without a doubt, given our quality.
Having been questioned whether it would be advantageous to play in the Champions League in the middle of the week before facing bitter rivals Arsenal, who are in the competition, last Sunday, Postecoglou isn’t on that side of the debate. The Tottenham manager forcefully retorted, “I don’t know how playing in the Champions League and us obviously not because we weren’t good enough last year offers us an advantage.
