Klopp labels EPL festive schedule 'a crime'

As a result of the ever-busy festive period in the English Premier League, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says it is "a crime" that some Premier League teams have to play two games in three days over the festive period.

The Reds travel to Leicester on Thursday, before hosting Wolves on Sunday but most other sides only have one day off between games.

After winning the Club World Cup in Qatar and defeat in the Carabao Cup, Liverpool will have played nine games in a packed December.

"It's absolutely not OK," Klopp said.

"And we still have it. None of the managers have a problem with matches on Boxing Day, but playing the 26th and 28th is a crime.

"We can say whatever we want and no-one is really interested but every year it is the same for the coaches involved in it."

Liverpool is 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.

The semi-final and final in Qatar clashed with Liverpool's Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Aston Villa, meaning they had to send separate teams to compete in the competitions.

Klopp's side, who are chasing a first league title in 30 years, will have two days of rest between festive Premier League fixtures, but 14 sides will only get one day off between matches.

"There is no reason to give teams less than 48 hours to play another Premier League game," Klopp added.

"Sports science doesn't give you something to deal with it. The body needs a specific amount of time to go again. It's easy. That's science. But you ignore that completely."

Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace play West Ham at home on Thursday (15:00 GMT) and just 48 hours later face Southampton away on Saturday (15:00).

"I enjoy the training, the matches themselves somewhat less so as I think it's harsh to play at the level we play at with just a day's rest," said Hodgson.

"It's too much to ask. I don't enjoy that part, it's a very dangerous period - there can be injuries, there can be fatigue. Suddenly you find yourself looking up the table rather than down."