Jurgen Klopp is generally an advocate of a conspiracy theory when it comes to Liverpool playing in early kickoffs, especially following the international breaks. His reasoning for opposing the timetables might perhaps be fair enough. On the other hand, early kickoffs have never been something Liverpool struggled with, speculating it might never have been an issue in the first place. This season’s Liverpool international players, including the South American ones went on the same plane and returned to Liverpool to face Manchester City on Saturday Europe’s elite competition. This 12:30 p.m. GMT kickoff had been an annoyance to Jurgen Klopp since the start of the 2017/18 season, as Liverpool have played an unusually high number of matches at this slot after international breaks. Whether the opposition or UEFA could influence or perhaps manipulate the kickoff times to help Liverpool’s title contenders remain unbeaten remains unclear. However, it would be inaccurate or deceitful to assume that Liverpool kicks off more at an earlier time after international breaks due to TV companies possibly favoring, intending for greater ratings. It is an attempt to secure the most viewing figures, but ultimately, the teams need to make sound decisions and come to a compromise for ideal playing conditions. These scheduling decisions need to be made with the welfare and conditions of the players firmly in mind, and with the consideration of all other factors and influences laying into the decision-making process. Overall, it remains unknown why Liverpool has so many early kickoff times after international breaks and what can be done to make this situation more manageable and fair for all teams. Specifically, Liverpool played two games in a row on 12:30 slots after international breaks, and it is too soon to tell how this might affect the team moving forward. Statistics rolled together from the games played after international breaks in the 2017/2018 season show that there is no correlation with scheduled blockbusters or the teams that attracted the most viewers. It remains unclear how Liverpool’s schedule was decided, and whether money plays a significant role in why they are featured more often in slots after international breaks. The way the schedule is decided needs to be regulated and fair, as two games after international breaks is unprecedented and might cause problems for all sides involved, not only Liverpool. Rival clubs such as Chelsea and City might also suffer from the schedule, and it is essential to consider the impact on all teams. So after all, it still remains to be seen whether the timings after international breaks favor Liverpool and other teams, or whether it is merely a business and money-focused decision.
