Liverpool manager Arne Slot jokingly commented on Thursday that TNT Sports had selected the Reds’ first match of the upcoming Premier League season at Ipswich for a midday kick-off because Jurgen Klopp was no longer leading the team.
Former Reds boss Klopp, who stepped down at the end of the previous campaign, frequently criticized early kick-off times, especially following midweek matches and international breaks. Klopp consistently voiced his disapproval of Saturday 12:30 pm starts, and in one of his final press conferences at Anfield last month, he referred to such scheduling as “a crime.”
Despite Klopp’s departure, Liverpool will start the new season with a 12:30 pm (1130 GMT) match at Portman Road on August 17.
“They’ve informed me it’s going to be 12.30… from what I understand, Jurgen complained a lot about this so probably they thought, with Jurgen no longer here, let’s schedule them for 12.30 again,” Slot told Liverpool’s website.
“It’s different to a normal 12.30 because it’s not after a game in Europe. Looking forward to it. A promoted team so it’s going to be special for them as well.”
The 45-year-old Dutchman added, “I think every team might prefer a home game to start with, but we’re going to face Ipswich and we are looking forward to that.”
Last season Liverpool had six midday kick-offs, while champions Manchester City and Manchester United had just three each.