Liverpool boss Klopp calls Africa Cup of Nations ‘little tournament’

Speaking to reporters on international breaks and the general health of his players, Liverpool’s head coach Jürgen Klopp stated that he doesn’t like international breaks and went on to call Africa’s biggest football event, which will hold in January, ‘a little tournament.’

“I hate international breaks,” Klopp said before Liverpool’s game against Arsenal last weekend. “The break was not helpful,” he added, on the recent two-week international break, which saw World Cup qualifying action.

There won’t be another international break until March next year. However, in responding to questions from reporters on the general state of his players in terms of injuries and fitness, Klopp said: “In January, there’s a little tournament in Africa.”

Some of Liverpool’s biggest stars, including Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Senegal international Sadio Mane, will be in action for their national teams in the African Nations Cup, which will kick off January 9 in Cameroon.