The manager of Liverpool football club, Jurgen Klopp will miss the Premier League game between his team and Chelsea football club later today, January 2, 2022.
The German tactician reported mild symptoms of coronavirus ahead of the Premier League game. Afterward, he reported a suspected positive coronavirus test. Hence, he has to self-isolate until he returns a negative test.
In the absence of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool will be led by Klopp’s assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea at 17:30 today.
Before it was confirmed that Jurgen Klopp tested positive for coronavirus, the coach told reporters during the pre-match press conference on Friday, December 31, 2021, that three players and some coaching crew at the club have tested positive for the virus. The German coach refused to disclose the identities of the players who have tested positive for the virus.
Also, Jurgen Klopp has earlier stated that there was a possibility that the Premier League game against Chelsea might not hold due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases at the club.
However, Liverpool decided not to apply for the Premier League game to be postponed even though the game could determine whether Liverpool would remain in contention for the league title.
In a statement Liverpool released ahead of the club’s clash with Chelsea, the Premier League side confirmed that three coaching staff also tested positive for the virus.
A statement from the club read: “Jurgen Klopp will miss Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Sunday after returning a suspected positive Covid-19 test result.
“The Reds manager, who reported mild symptoms ahead of the fixture, is now isolating.
“Assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders will therefore lead the team for the 4.30 pm GMT kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
“Testing of the entire first-team set-up has revealed no further positive cases within the playing squad in addition to the three confirmed by Klopp on Friday.
“Three backroom staff members have returned suspected positive results, however.”
Jürgen Klopp will miss our meeting with Chelsea on Sunday after returning a suspected positive COVID-19 test result.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 1, 2022
The report that Jurgen Klopp has tested positive for coronavirus came less than two weeks after the coach had said all the players at the club have been vaccinated against the virus.
He also said the club would not sign any player that has not been doubled jab in the January transfer window and subsequent transfer windows.
Hence, if the coronavirus symptoms the coach is experiencing are anything to go by, it means Klopp tested positive for the virus despite being fully vaccinated; same as the other three Liverpool players that tested positive for the virus.
