Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Groß has insisted Liverpool should be handed the title if the Premier League decide to end the season prematurely.
As is the case across Europe, England’s top flight is currently suspended while the UK attempts to hold the spread of Coronavirus.
The league have announced that suspension will remain until the end of April at the earliest, with it hoped that COVID-19 is somewhat under control by that point.
If it isn’t, a serious decision about the league will have to be made, particularly regarding whether Liverpool will be crowned as champions.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are currently clear at the top of the table but, as they can still be mathematically caught, the league is not technically over.
Groß is in no doubt, though, saying Liverpool are undoubtedly worthy winners of this year’s crown.
“This question is actually not a big issue on the island,” he told Sport 1.
“But my personal opinion is: No matter what happens, Liverpool has more than earned the championship title.
“The title belongs to them. In leagues, where there are one or two points, the question is more difficult to answer.”
Like the rest of the country, Groß and his Brighton teammates currently find themselves in isolation in an attempt to avoid becoming infected with COVID-19.
The government imposed isolation is causing plenty of concern across the country, with many people having already lost their jobs as a result of businesses closing down.
Premier League clubs have moved to try and limit the impact on their workers as much as possible, with Brighton one of the clubs insisting they will pay staff regardless.
If that were to change in future, Groß says that he would be more than willing to give up part of his salary to ensure there are no losses.
“Even before the corona crisis really broke out, our owner Tony Bloom announced that no short-time work would be introduced at our office and that he would pay all employees’ salaries,” he added.
“If that were not the case, I am definitely willing to forego part of my salary. That goes without saying for me.
“In England, I often take part in charity campaigns. I definitely want to help in the corona crisis, so I will support projects in Germany financially.”
