Erik Meijer, who played for Liverpool from 1999-2001, has claimed Jürgen Klopp’s playing style is partly to blame for their current issues with fitness.
The Liverpool manager has found himself embroiled in an argument with the TV broadcasters, having seen his side beset by muscle injuries and fatigue in recent weeks.
The latest to suffer was James Milner in the weekend draw with Brighton, the 35-year-old going down with a hamstring injury that Klopp later blamed on broadcaster BT, who had elected to put his side in the early kick-off despite playing late in the Champions League midweek.
His argument has since been debunked by Gary Neville, who revealed that Liverpool’s schedule has not been as intense as their manager is claiming.
Meijer doesn’t quite fully agree with the former Manchester United man but does believe that Klopp’s style of play is also to blame.
“It’s all a bit less at Liverpool at the moment after two fantastic years,” he told De Telegraaf.
“Apart from the absentees, that also has to do with the enormous burden the team has had to cope with.
“Klopp’s way of playing requires a lot from a player group and it’s a murderous programme that a team like Liverpool has to finish.”
The absence of Van Dijk in particular has been a huge blow, with the Dutchman having established himself as one of the best defenders in world football during his time at Anfield.
At the moment Klopp has been forced to turn to Joel Matip to fill the gap, something Meijer believes was never going to work.
“It’s all not as convincing and stable as last year,” he added.
“That has a lot to do with Virgil van Dijk’s absence. Klopp now chooses young boys at the back and expects Joel Matip to lead the defence.
“But he was always Van Dijk’s assistant. Then you can’t suddenly start playing the leader. That doesn’t work.”
