Source: TheGuardian
Jürgen Klopp unrepentant over decision to field weakened side in FA Cup replay
• Liverpool’s Under-23s will face Shrewsbury despite criticism• Klopp says FA did not consult ‘sports people’ over replay datesAn unrepentant Jürgen Klopp has defended his decision to play Liverpool’s under-23s in next week’s FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury, insisting Neil Critchley is the best coach for the job and the Football Association did not consult “sports-responsible people” over dates for the game.The Liverpool manager has attracted widespread criticism for refusing to field any first team players in the fourth-round replay or take charge of a match during the club’s scheduled mid-season break. Klopp apologised to Shrewsbury on Tuesday for taking the spotlight away from their comeback in the first meeting with his post-match comments but, on his stance against fixture congestion, a long-time concern, the manager was defiant. Continue reading......read full article