Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he doesn’t understand objections to the Covid-19 vaccine, saying it’s not a limit on freedom.
His comments come in the wake of troubling figures from the Premier League. In an email to top-flight clubs last week, the Premier League said: “Only seven clubs’ squads are more than 50% fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go.”
As well as that, it looks like all unvaccinated players will be banned from next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Currently five players in the England squad are refusing to be vaccinated, according to reports.
Read: Real Madrid Continue To Falter, UEFA Launch ESL Appeal
“I don’t understand why that is a limitation of freedom,” Jurgen Klopp said. “Because if it is, then not being allowed to drink and drive is a limitation of freedom as well – but we accept that.
“I got the vaccination because I was concerned about myself but even more so for everyone else around me.
“If I get it and suffer – my fault. If I get it and spread it around to everyone else – my fault and not their fault.
“We can say we have 99% vaccinated,” added Klopp. “I didn’t have to convince the players, it was more a natural decision from the team.
“I can’t remember really talking to a player and convincing him why he should because I’m not a doctor.
“What I would give, like in a lot of other situations, would be my advice – but it was not necessary.”
Want to bet on the Premier League? See our reviews section to find the best markets for you!
With the return of fans to stadiums, it looked as if sport had moved past Covid disruptions. However, it could only just be beginning. In the U.S, the NBA has an issue on its hands as several high-profile players are refusing to be vaccinated. Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving even went as far as to say he would be willing to miss home games rather than get the shot.
You can’t help but feel players are shooting themselves in the foot here. A footballer’s biggest asset is his availability. The unvaccinated players will find themselves in and out of their teams, and may even miss out on the biggest events like the World Cup.
