Jürgen Klopp addresses the fans of FC Liverpool in a letter. The coach writes about the difficult time and reminds them to be responsible.
The corona virus has brought the football world to a standstill, and the Premier League is now feeling the effects.
After Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odi tested positive for Covid-19, the ball rests on the island at least until early April.
Monday’s match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC is also affected. For the Reds in particular, a win and defeat to Burnley FC from Manchester City two days earlier would have enabled them to clinch their long-awaited 19th championship title.
Klopp: “Must protect each other
But that has to take a back seat for now. Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp knows that too. The German has now written an emotional letter to the fans of the Reds, calling for responsible action.
“I don’t think this is a moment when the thoughts of a football manager should be important – but I understand that our fans want to hear something from the team and I will fulfil that wish,” Klopp began the letter, which the Reds published on their homepage.
“First and foremost, we must all do everything we can to protect each other. In society, I mean. This should be the case all the time in life, but at this moment I think it is more important than ever,” Klopp called on his supporters to be level-headed.
General welfare always in the foreground
He had said earlier that football always seems to be “the most important of the least important things”, explained Klopp. “But nowadays football isn’t really important at all.”
Of course they didn’t want competitions to be interrupted at Liverpool FC either, Klopp explained. “But if it helps one person to stay healthy – just one – then we’ll do it without asking questions”.
Klopp continued: “If it’s a choice between football and the welfare of society in general, then it’s not a competition.” The common good would always come first.
Klopp also called on people to follow the advice of the experts and take care of themselves and others. “Your health comes first. Take no risks. Think of the weak in our society and, if possible, act with compassion for them. Please take care of yourselves and look after each other.”