Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoke about the hydration breaks that are being implemented at the World Cup
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp(Image: Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained why he would have liked to have hydration breaks during his time as manager, but admitted one downside to the policy. Klopp is currently in the United States as he works as a pundit for German TV during the World Cup.
The tournament is being held in North America, with the US being joined by Canada and Mexico as co-hosts across the Atlantic.
Hydration breaks have been introduced by FIFA for this summer’s World Cup, which are held for a few minutes in the middle of each half.
With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees celsius and high humidity at many of the games so far in the tournament, the hydration breaks have certainly served a purpose. However, the policy has been met with mixed reviews across the football world since its introduction at the World Cup.
During England's goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday night, the hydration break was met with boos from supporters in Boston, with rain also falling during parts of the game.
Klopp has already attended several games at this summer’s World Cup and explained why he has mixed feelings about the hydration breaks at the tournament.
“It’s really hot and it’s good for the players,” Klopp told reporters in the United States, via the BBC.
“Is it good for the coaches? Yeah, I would have loved it. Maybe it’s a little bit too much right now.
“It’s definitely too long because for drinking, you don’t need two and a half minutes or whatever.
“But that’s the thing. It’s got its use and when you are in the stadium, it’s OK because you get a little bit of a show, in Dallas with the cheerleaders, which I enjoyed on the big screen.
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“It’s completely fine but I understand when you sit at home and then the commercials start… but being my age, it is a welcome break to go to the toilet!”
Liverpool have eight players at this summer’s World Cup, but that number could fall over the next few days as the group stages come to an end.
Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are currently with the Netherlands squad, while Alisson Becker is starring for Brazil at the tournament.
Florian Wirtz is flourishing with Germany, as is Alexis Mac Allister with Argentina, while Alexander Isak and Sweden still have work to do to qualify for the knockout stages.
New Liverpool signing Victory Munoz is currently with the Spain squad but is yet to make his first appearance at the World Cup for his country.