Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that Jurgen Klopp should rest players in the Champions League if they are in pole position to win the Premier League.
With no disrespect to Porto, it’s fair to say that Liverpool are likely to progress to the semifinal of the Champions League without undue complications.
With that assumption in mind and the hypothetical possibility that Manchester United could beat Barcelona in their quarterfinal tie, Carragher has made a surprising plea to Klopp.
Carra said: “It will be a big thing – what will Jurgen Klopp do in a big semi-final with a league game coming?
“He knows how much Liverpool and Liverpool supporters want to win the league. If Liverpool are in pole position for the league, I’d have no problem with him resting players against Manchester United.
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“The league is bigger than anything for Liverpool.”
Gary Neville said something similar at the start of March and was crucified and it’s very surprising that Carragher would be of the same opinion.
Klopp and any Liverpool player questioned have told the media that there is no emphasis on winning one tournament over the other.
Aside from the domestic cups, it’s fairly clear that the Reds are intent on winning everything available.
With Liverpool two points clear at the top of the table and presented with a very real chance to progress to the semifinals of the Champions League, there is no reason Klopp and co. can’t push forward in their bid to win a league and European cup double.
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Porto visit Anfield this evening before Chelsea make the trip to Merseyside from London and if Klopp can guide his side past these two challenges, Liverpool will be primed for an incredible end to the campaign.
Most Liverpool fans will disagree with what Carragher and Neville have said about what Klopp should do in his bid to win silverware for the first time since arriving at the club.
If the German makes it to the semifinals of the Champions League, there is no chance he would jeopardise his chances of winning the tournament.