Jurgen Klopp hits out at fixture schedule organisers as damning early kick-off stat for Liverpool emerges

Jurgen Klopp has hit out at the Premier League's organisers for arrangement of the fixture schedule, labelling the schedule a "joke".

Klopp has often voiced his concerns for his players when they are not given enough recovery time after either playing in midweek or returning from international duty.

And the Reds boss has done it again, after it was announced that Liverpool would play Wolves at Molineux in the lunchtime kick-off slot on Saturday.

Klopp was reminded of his rather unflattering record when playing at 12:30 last season, which included three draws and three losses, before being asked if perhaps it was the time of day that was the problem, as opposed to the lack of recovery time.

Visibly irritated by the question, the German replied: "Are you serious with that question? What do you think is the difference when you play 30 hours away? You can listen to his response below.

"12:30 is not a problem if you have a week to prepare. The only problem is the lack of recovery time.

"We have four international breaks until March. Two of them we have the early kick-off. If I say more about it the whole world goes again and says 'he's moaning again'.

"This is a joke. We have players in South America I haven't seen yet. In 24 hours we play.

"But this is like it is, we cannot change that, they will never change that, whoever we talk to. Now the TV channel has a different name but that doesn't change anything at all. They just don't give a 'bleep' about that.

"Make your own opinion about it, maybe this time without a source"

Indeed, Liverpool really struggled for form in their 12:30 kick-offs last season, with a number of damning stats demonstrating their lack of composure in front of goal, including a 3.6% conversion rate from 83 shots, according to Opta data.

Liverpool failed to win any of their 6, 12:30pm kick-offs during the Premier League last season, drawing 3 and losing 3.

The Reds only found the net 3 times whilst having 83 shots, 13 big chances and an xG of 8.56.

A conversion rate of 3.6%.

Via @Between_TL, Opta statszone.

— - (@JoshLFC1909) September 14, 2023

But it is no surprise Klopp feels somewhat aggrieved, with Liverpool having played at 12:30 on Saturday more than double the amount as any other side in the top-flight.