Jurgen Klopp makes plea to German government over RB Leipzig venue switch

Jurgen Klopp has asked the German government to make an exception to their coronavirus rules for Liverpool, saying: “We can play without spreading the virus”.

The English club have been banned from entering the country because of regulations that come into force this weekend, preventing all arrivals into Germany from areas affected by Covid-19 mutations.

That means Liverpool are blocked from playing the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at opponents RB Leipzig’s ground, with UEFA naming Buadpest’s Puskas Arena as their mandated alternative venue for the game on February 16.

But Klopp has made a final plea to his home nation’s authorities, telling them that they CAN make a exception in Liverpool’s case, because the English club have taken extensive precautions to prevent any cases of the virus.

“With all the stuff we are doing here within the club, the record we have with cases, the discipline, I think it would be reasonable to make an exception,” he said.

“We know there is another strain here, but we are not infected, we are really in a bubble here, and we could play at Leipzig without spreading the virus. Let’s just say that once.

“I don’t know exactly who decided it in the German government, but they said so far not possible. So maybe it is good to see for German people who are not (up on) the subject – we have the same problems like you have.”

Liverpool still don’t know where the first leg of their tie will take place, because Leipzig have been given permission to explore alternative venues to UEFA’s preferred stadium in Hungary. Monaco has been floated as a possible option, making travel easier.”

Klopp says that his club will accept whatever decision is reached, but hopes the German authorities can make an exemption for his elite sports team.

“It is like it always was, the rules are rules and we will accept them so I don’t know where we will play. But we don’t know if the German government are making a general decision, so we will see.”

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