Liverpool took on Leeds yesterday in the Premier League, but despite this being a match between two of England's most exciting teams and two of the world's most revered managers, most of the pre and post-game conversation had to do with off-the-pitch matters, aka the European Super League.
Upon the announcement of this controversial breakaway league, fans and footballing figures, both past and present, were up in arms on social media and live television. The focus quickly shifted to what the managers of these 12 founding clubs, of which Liverpool are a part of, would have to say once they front the media.
The words of Jurgen Klopp were eagerly anticipated as he has been one of several prominent figures in the beautiful game to have spoken out against this tournament in recent years. Many wondered whether the German boss would change his tone now that his club were one of the founding members. On Monday, they got their answer.
While the former Dortmund boss did not launch a scathing attack on the Reds owner as some hoped, fans were pleased to hear Klopp maintain his belief that the European Super League is not healthy. Speaking to Sky Sports right before kick-off, the Anfield tactician said:
"My opinion didn't change. Obviously I heard for the first time about it yesterday, and trying to prepare a game, a very difficult game against Leeds, and I knew so far we got some information, not a lot to be honest.
"It's a tough one. People are not happy about it, and I can understand that, but I cannot say a lot more about it because we were not involved in any processes, not the players not me, we didn't know about it. We will have to wait to see how it develops."
Jurgen went on to say "I don't think it's a great idea" in regards with the breakaway tournament. Klopp was not the only figure to speak out against it. Bamford, who contributed to his team's late 1-1 draw with last season's Premier League champions, spoke against the competition and Liverpool's James Milner, one of the longest-serving English top-flight players, admitted that he wishes the ESL does not see the light of day.
"I can only give my personal opinion, I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen," he told Sky Sports.
"There are a lot of questions. We have tried to prepare for the game, so l can only imagine what has been said about it, but l would probably agree with most of it."
And it's not only Liverpool where dissenting opinions are emerging. According to the Daily Mail, Man United captain Harry Maguire led an angry meeting with Ed Woodward, albeit in regards with how the news was broken and not the formation of the competition itself. Furthermore, Oliver Holt of the Mail claimed via Twitter that two English member clubs are "close to losing their nerve" in regards with the ESL. Things are getting more interesting by the minute.
