Arsenal Match Centre
Klopp comments could boost Arsenal in League Cup semi-final
Jurgen Klopp says he'd rather the League Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal was a single leg, even if that leg is at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) and Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta gesture on the touchline after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS / POOL / AFP)
In Wednesday night's League Cup semi-final draw, Arsenal were drawn against Liverpool, whilst Chelsea drew Tottenham Hotspur in the other match.
For the time being, the plan is still to play a two-legged tie, but this is obviously unpopular with managers given the expected depletion of their squads.
Arsenal will be without four players at AFCON, and the Gunners already have three Covid-19 cases in the camp. If that outbreak spreads, it's going to get difficult to fulfil all the festive fixtures.
A potential solution is to play single-leg ties, just as they did in the competition last year. Jurgen Klopp is certainly in support of that change, even if his team have to play away from home.
"I think it would be better with one game absolutely, but obviously what I say is not too important," Klopp said.
"If there are two games, then we will play two games. But it would be helpful if there was only one, true.
"If the draw has us at Arsenal, I'm fine with that – we play there and see who is better and go for it."
Klopp then confirmed that there's a meeting planned at 4pm on Thursday, 23rd December, but he's not expecting much to come of it.
"Tomorrow we have a meeting at 4pm but it's with the Premier League and not with the EFL, I'm not sure if they are involved or not," Klopp added.
"I said it before, I would prefer only one semi-final. But I can't see any kind of changes actually."
Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during the friendly test match Liverpool v FC Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria on August 25, 2020. (Photo by BARBARA GINDL / APA / AFP)
If the tie is changed to a single-leg tie, it should be at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal were drawn as the home team on Wednesday, so that would only be fair.
Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel are probably just as keen to make the change to a single leg, as the two home managers with hectic schedules.
It remains to be seen what Antonio Conte wants. His side have already come through a recent Covid-19 outbreak and would have to play away at Chelsea. But he should be keen as well, given Spurs have so many postponed fixtures to make up.
Previous articleUpdate on Partey's departure for AFCON: Can he face Norwich?
Next article2 goals, 1 red card: Ex-Arsenal striker's dramatic sub appearance