Klopp Supports Qatar Against Players’ Political Statements
Jurgen Klopp, the coach of Liverpool, has spoken his opinions about the protests against the World Cup in Qatar, stating it is unjust to expect players to participate in political rallies on the field.
In an interview with Sky News, Klopp stated that since players are traveling to Qatar for the game itself, they shouldn't be expected to give a political statement.
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“I understand 100 percent that we talk about it. But it’s not fair to talk now to the players and give responsibility to them, because it’s more than 10 years ago that other people decided [to host the World Cup in Qatar], and we all accepted the decision,” Klopp told Sky News.
“These are the players. The tournament is in Qatar. The players go there and play the game. The decision was made by other people and if you want to criticize anybody, then criticize the people who made the decision.”
“Not the sport, not the competition, and for sure, not the players. It’s not fair that we expect them that they go there and make big political statements or whatever. It’s just not fair,” the German boss added.
Although the pressure on other footballers to follow Harry Kane in wearing an armband in favor of LGBT+ rights is unfair, the Champions League-winning coach made it plain that he supports players like him.
“These boys were ten years old when the decisions were made, and now they should be in any kind of situation where they could be criticized, no way, no chance.”
Change in heart
Since being selected to host the World Cup in 2010, Qatar has come under fire for its history of mistreating migrant workers. In the weeks before the event, which will begin in a few weeks, scrutiny has increased.
Gareth Southgate of England said earlier this week that the World Cup should proceed as planned even though there are still issues.
“I’ve been out to Qatar several times and I’ve met lots of the workers out there, and they are united in certainly one thing, that’s that they want the tournament to happen, and they want that because they love football,” Southgate told CNN.
With fewer than 20 days until the competition, Germany's interior minister has apologized for remarks she made while visiting Qatar that were allegedly misconstrued.
In addition to assuring her participation at the World Cup, Nancy Faeser lauded the nation's revolutionary reforms.
“It is important to support the country of Qatar in groundbreaking reforms. That is why I have decided to continue to be part of the process and travel to the first match of the German team,” said Faeser.