Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has issued a classy statement after the Premier League decided to postpone all fixtures until next month.
The Merseyside giants have been closing in on a long-awaited league title this season, and as things currently stand, they boast a 25-point lead at the top of the table with nine games left to be played.
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However, after the Premier League announced that they were suspending all fixtures until a further review on April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak crisis, it has left question marks hanging over whether or not Liverpool will in fact be able to complete the season and win the title.
While it could have been easy for Klopp to be disappointed or frustrated with the decision given that they’re on the brink of something special and historic for the club, the Liverpool boss has responded in a classy fashion as he has maintained his position throughout that there are more important things than football, and that certainly includes the public’s health and safety.
Read Klopp’s full message below:
“I don’t think this is a moment where the thoughts of a football manager should be important, but I understand for our supporters they will want to hear from the team and I will front that,” he wrote on the club’s official site.
“First and foremost, all of us have to do whatever we can to protect one another. In society I mean. This should be the case all the time in life, but in this moment I think it matters more than ever.
“I’ve said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things. Today, football and football matches really aren’t important at all.
“Of course, we don’t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don’t want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy – just one – we do it no questions asked.
“If it’s a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it’s no contest. Really, it isn’t.
“Today’s decision and announcement is being implemented with the motive of keeping people safe. Because of that we support it completely. We have seen members of teams we compete against become ill. This virus has shown that being involved in football offers no immunity. To our rival clubs and individuals who are affected and to those who later will become so, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
“None of us know in this moment what the final outcome will be, but as a team we have to have belief that the authorities make decisions based on sound judgement and morality.
“Yes, I am the manager of this team and club and therefore carry a leadership responsibility with regards to our future on the pitch. But I think in the present moment, with so many people around our city, the region, the country and the world facing anxiety and uncertainty, it would be entirely wrong to speak about anything other than advising people to follow expert advice and look after themselves and each other.
“The message from the team to our supporters is only about your well-being. Put your health first. Don’t take any risk. Think about the vulnerable in our society and act where possible with compassion for them.
“Please look after yourselves and look out for each other.
You’ll Never Walk Alone,
Jürgen.”
It’s a classy touch in a difficult time for a lot of people, and it arguably puts things into perspective for some fans who may have been desperate for the games to go ahead, perhaps even behind closed doors.
Although he has been adamant about his belief that he’s not the right person to be asked questions about the coronavirus crisis, there is no doubt that his words carry weight and they will get through to a lot of Liverpool fans.