‘I love how Jurgen Klopp has found a way to get his way again.’
Everton attacker Andros Townsend has claimed that ‘moaning’ Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has ‘got his way again’ with the introduction of five substitutes in the Premier League.
Clubs will be allowed to make five substitutions from this season onwards, which follows the decision made by the majority of other leagues throughout Europe.
The Premier League used the rule during the latter stages of the covid-interrupted 2019/20 campaign, however, it was not continued in the top flight.
Reds boss Klopp, like many others, was frustrated that some other managers voted against a plan to move to five substitutes on three occasions in late 2020. However, in March this year, a move to the new rule was confirmed – much to the delight of the German.
Townsend suggests it could turn out to be unfair for some clubs
Evidently, the ability to swap five players will benefit clubs with bigger squads, and could make things even harder for sides competing at the bottom of the table.
Toffees star Townsend believes that managers like Klopp won’t even use all five substitutions in the biggest games, and that it could prove to be unfair on the clubs who lack squad depth.
“I love how Jurgen Klopp has found a way to get his way again,” he told talkSPORT Breakfast.
“He’s been moaning for years. They have been pushing back and finally they have given in and given him his five subs. And he will probably still use two or three in the biggest games.
“But, hey, who are we to argue with him?
“I think in the biggest games Liverpool and City, they use one or two subs. They don’t use the full three subs.
“I think it’s the games against Crystal Palace or Brentford, where they can’t break teams down, it’s 0-0, they have 11 behind the ball. Right, can we bring on five world-class internationals who are fresh who can change the game. Can we bring them on to break down this stubborn defence? And that’s where I think it becomes a bit unfair.”
Andros Townsend:
"I love how Jurgen Klopp has found a way to get his own way. He’s been moaning for years. They have been pushing back, and finally, they have given him his five substitutions." #lfc
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) June 27, 2022
Toffees man think it ‘makes it less competitive’
The 30-year-old, who joined Everton on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Crystal Palace, did admit that he is hopeful the new rule will benefit the Toffees.
He added: “I don’t think it makes it less competitive. It’s still going to be the most competitive league in the world. I just think it gives those top sides an extra advantage.
“Hopefully my side is one of those teams that will have the advantage with the squad that we’re looking to build.
“And, on a personal level coming back from an ACL injury, five subs will probably suit me. But I just think, on the whole, it suits your Jurgen Klopps and your Pep Guardiolas who have 30 world-class internationals.”
‘Klopp clearly has a lot of sway’
Townsend was then asked how much sway he believes Klopp has, to which he replied: “Clearly a lot. I think we saw last season, and even the season before, just the constant banging on, banging on about votes, on votes, on votes, getting pushed back and then, all of a sudden, they announce the five subs bench.
“I think as well, last season, again, moaning about the schedule, moaning about this, moaning about that… all of a sudden BT Sport put a Liverpool game on Saturday night, which I’ve never seen before in the Premier League.
“So obviously all of this moaning and moaning puts pressure on the authorities to give him what he wants, and he has got what he wants on many occasions.”
Everton begin their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on August 6, while Klopp’s Liverpool travel to London to face off against Fulham on the same day.
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