Liverpool host Leeds in an unusual 7.45pm kick-off time on Saturday, due in no small part to the Reds’ Champions League exploits. Jurgen Klopp will want a positive result against the relegation-threatened Whites after suffering a disappointing Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
An evening kick-off time over the weekend is rare in the top flight, with matches usually taking slots at 12:30pm, 3:00pm and 5:30pm. But the 19:45 kick-off is due to Liverpool’s participation in Europe.
Klopp’s team beat Ajax 3-0 on Wednesday to secure a place in the Champions League round of 16. The Reds successfully argued with the Premier League and broadcasters that they would have had less than 48 hours to prepare for Saturday’s game had it been played earlier.
It’s a similar argument made by Manchester United earlier this season. The Red Devils beat Everton in early October in a Saturday match that also kicked off at 7:45 p.m. Sky Sports is set to show Liverpool’s clash with Leeds at Anfield.
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“Saturday night, 7:45, is a great time to play a football game. I hope the people (fans) are ready,” said Liverpool manager Klopp, who escaped a ban on the line. despite his red card against Manchester City, before the game. .
The German has also offered a strong defense of the beginning of Darwin Núñez’s life at Liverpool. A £65m summer arrival from Benfica, Nunez has returned to form after a rocky first few months.
He was sent off for a header on Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen on his home debut but has now scored four times in his last five appearances. Klopp has urged the exciting 23-year-old striker to stay fit.
“Darwin came here after a short break, flew straight to Asia [for pre-season], did not speak English, new equipment and the price, and then everyone judges immediately. He started well, he scored against Man City and Fulham, then red card. He was sorry. Confidence was hit.
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“He’s involved in many, many final moments. It was a great month for him.”
“Darwin is very exciting, but he has to stay fit and available all the time. We work in all different areas and the potential is incredible. Speed, attitude, a real worker, anything is possible to develop and learn. It’s really exciting.” “. “
Meanwhile, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch insists he has the backing of the club’s hierarchy despite his side sitting 18th in the Premier League. They have not won any of their last eight games.
The American said on Friday: “The [hierarchy] They have been a great support. i talked to angus [Kinnear]Victor [Orta] and Andrea [Radrizzani] repeatedly. We’ve talked about adding staff and we’re looking carefully at things like psychologists.
But I’m not stupid. I understand that if we don’t win games I put them in a very difficult situation so that they continue to support me. So my focus is completely on what’s necessary for the next three games.”
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