Jurgen Klopp has discussed his side’s poor January form, and has blamed the devastating run on fixture congestion.
In quotes carried in the Evening Standard, Klopp discussed a number of issues, and revealed that he had had an extended 25 minute chat with Antonio Conte at Anfield when their respective sides met earlier this month.
“I spoke to Antonio [Conte] for a long time at Anfield, maybe 25 minutes, and he mentioned it [the fixture schedule] but said they could play the same 13-14 players all the time. That is the big difference.”
Klopp pointed out that Chelsea had been lucky enough to exit the EFL Cup in the fourth round, meaning that his opposite number hadn’t had to rotate beyond a group of 13-14 core players.
Chelsea fans are likely to disagree, and many regret watching their side’s elimination against West Ham as a missed opportunity to wrap up some more silverware with no European football to worry about – although with success in the Premier League looking likely and a strong FA Cup campaign underway, they will probably be able to let this one slide.
