Klopp Expresses Concern Over PL Start Date

Jurgen Klopp has called for change to the Premier League calendar as a fragmented Liverpool prepare to return to competitive action.

The Reds face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, less than two months on from their victory over Tottenham in the Champions League final.

Sadio Mane has been given permission to miss the match after featuring for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations as recently as July 19.

Klopp believes the demands on Premier League players have become untenable, particularly in view of the later start dates for top-flight leagues in Italy, Spain and Germany.

“This discussion, somebody has to start it,” Klopp said.

“I spoke with Carlo Ancelotti – Italy has 20 teams as well and starts the season on August 24. [Kalidou] Koulibaly played together with Sadio at the Africa Cup of Nations and has four weeks [of] holiday. He’s not even close to coming back.

“I don’t know why we start so early. Next year it’s Copa [America] and the Euros and we start, I think, the same week. I don’t know why.”