Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has admitted he has to “pinch himself” about the team’s success – but warned too much “stress” is being put on the players.
Jurgen Klopp’s champions-elect are 22 points clear at the top of the Premier League, reigning European champions and are still in the FA Cup as they also look to win the title unbeaten.
But the fixtures are mounting up and Klopp rested all of his big guns for their FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury to ensure they got a winter break ahead of the run-in.
That is a major worry for Werner especially with Liverpool potentially being the worst hit next season with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane also due to go to the Africa Cup of Nations next January.
Liverpool boss Klopp has been outspoken on players being asked to play too many games and has clearly got support from the top especially as the club will also be involved in the Club World Cup in China in the summer of 2021.
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Werner said: “We all have to look at the calendar. We are all concerned at the amount of stress we are putting on our players. It is a bigger issue and I am not competent to know what the solution is.
“It’s an evolving situation but the one thing we are concerned about, I would say, is you want to have some thoughts about the calendar and protecting the health of players so that leads to all sorts of issues.
“There’s ongoing discussions obviously, some of which I’m not aware of. There’s discussions about changing the format of the Champions League and the Fifa Club World Cup.”
Werner also revealed how sometimes even he can barely believe just how good this season has been as they close in on glory and the first title for 30 years.
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He added: “I have to pinch myself. As a supporter, this has been a dream season so far. Every week we seem to find a different star to laud.
“As Jurgen said, we haven’t done the job yet. There will be time to enjoy this even more at the end of the season. We haven’t accomplished anything yet.
“At the same time, I think everyone, not just Liverpool fans, appreciate the brand of football that is on display every week.
“I keep saying to everyone I talk to that we really need to savour this because I appreciate the record we have achieved so far and I don’t think it is going to come along so quickly. I am just enjoying the experience and looking forward to the next match.
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“To me, it is about the pleasure of watching so many talented players each week execute ad to do it at such a high level. The level of competition in this league is so great eventually you think you are going to have an off day.
“But that hasn’t happened yet, which is a great compliment to Jurgen because obviously, the team is playing at peak talent every week. It is just a pleasure to watch.
“I am not even thinking about records and things like that. I am just enjoying every weekend, watching the quality of play.
“There is so much talent on the pitch. To see that so many people are contributing, it is exciting. From our goalkeeper to our forwards. Even our substitutes execute when they come in. It is a pleasure and I just have to compliment Jurgen.”
