‘We have to adapt’: Jose Mourinho responds to Jurgen Klopp’s complaints over Liverpool fixtures
Reds coach has been left incensed by the tight scheduling of games
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised broadcasters over hectic match scheduling that he thinks is leading to more player injuries but his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Jose Mourinho says he was dealing with the same problems 16 years ago.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced last season to finish late and the current campaign to be condensed into a shorter period.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez face lengthy spells out following surgery, and the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita also dealing with injuries.
READ MORE: Which clubs can have fans under new tier system?
Klopp says the scheduling of Champions League matches, which are broadcast by BT, and the Premier League, which is broadcast by Sky and BT, is putting a strain on players.
But Mourinho said Klopp had no choice but to get on with it.
"I arrived in (the Premier League) in 2004 so what he knows from 2015, I know since 2004," Mourinho told a news conference on the eve of Thursday's Europa League clash against Ludogorets.
"Nothing changes. We have to adapt to it, that's the way it is."
After the Europa League fixture, Spurs have a Premier League game against Mourinho's former side Chelsea, who booked their spot in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win over Stade Rennais on Tuesday.
"They were lucky this week that the draw gave them a Tuesday match. That's not a new thing, that happens all the time," the Portuguese manager added.
"We knew since we went into the Europa League so we're not going to complain about it. We knew we were to always play on Thursday."
Reuters
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments