Klopp says participants are in an invidious position whatever stance they take because of the contentious decision about Qatar hosting
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has railed against international coaches and players being pressured into “being politicians” ahead of the World Cup as he doubled down on his fury at the timing of this year’s tournament.
A long-time critic of the mid-season World Cup, Klopp directed anger at the expectations upon England manager Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane to take a stand on the myriad complex issues surrounding the event in Qatar.
Liverpool’s manager claimed the outrage against the timing and initial awarding of the tournament should be led by the media, not the participants.
“Now we are putting players under pressure about what they will do, asking Harry Kane if he will wear the armband with the other guys saying, ‘Please don’t make political statements’,” said Klopp. “That’s not OK. It was organised by other people and we all let it happen.”