Paul Merson gives verdict on Jurgen Klopp’s FA Cup replay decision

Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson believes that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has every right to rest his senior players from Liverpool’s FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town at Anfield next week.

Liverpool drew 2-2 at the New Meadow on Sunday night, which means the club are forced into a replay against Shrewsbury Town.

Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Fabinho all played on Sunday night, but not even they will get a look in for the replay.

Klopp will not be playing any of his senior players next week, as he is looking to honour the inaugural Premier League winter break.

Klopp also stated that Neil Critchley, who is Liverpool’s under-23 manager, will be in charge on the night, as he is also taking a break with his players.

Merson has no issue with Klopp’s decision, as he believes the German has bigger things to look forward to.

Merson told Sky Sports: “Can I understand where Jurgen Klopp is coming from? 100 per cent.

“You’ve got to rest players; you’re going for the Premier League – a first league title in 30 years. No disrespect to Shrewsbury but that Liverpool team should have been good enough to beat them.

“They started well and faded, which probably shows you the inexperience and the difference between U23 and men’s football.

“I don’t know whether Klopp has booked something with his family or whether he’s got the hump and is having a go at the scheduling but why didn’t anyone think of this in terms of the planning?

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SHREWSBURY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool reacts during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Shrewsbury Town and Liverpool at New Meadow on January 26, 2020 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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“I managed in the lower leagues at Walsall. It was hard. I know these Liverpool lads are winning but it’s 24/7 – you don’t switch off. There aren’t enough hours in the day for a manager.

“Jurgen Klopp’s thinking about winning the league. He’ll think of himself and his team. If he needs a rest, he’ll have a rest.

“Ask the fans at Anfield and the millions of supporters around the world – whatever Klopp says will go. If he doesn’t go (to the replay), I’d like to think he’d sit down with the young kids and explain.

“I think he’ll stick with what he said. He’s got to bring the Premier League home – even though they don’t look like losing a game, I do think he needs a rest. I can understand people debating it but I don’t understand why he can’t have a break.

“Whatever he does, the Liverpool fans will be behind him.

“Is a winter break needed? A longer winter break is. It’s one weekend off. If you give the players, say, three weeks off, they can go somewhere like La Manga for a mini pre-season.”

Merson is correct. Klopp has every right to rest his senior players, especially considering they are going for the Premier League title.

The last thing the club need is an injury to a key player in an FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town.

However, one could argue that Klopp should be in attendance for the game, but it is hardly the end of the world. A break might be good for him.

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Source: anfieldhq.com