In September, Liverpool experienced an unfair disallowed goal against Tottenham, sparking an ongoing VAR dispute. The team’s manager, a fiery figure, was livid at the time, demanding a review following Luis Diaz’s nullified goal. Recently, another VAR incident emerged when Arsenal conceded a questionable goal against West Ham on Friday. Given this season’s controversies, Klopp faced inquiries about whether English football authorities should abandon VAR before Liverpool’s match against Newcastle United.
During the press conference, Klopp, speaking through BBC Sport, expressed reluctance to answer the question, feeling his words were often taken out of context. He highlighted how his remarks tend to overshadow the issues being discussed, deeming it unhelpful. He acknowledged the inevitability of his words being twisted for headlines, recognizing the widespread frustrations with VAR across matches. Klopp emphasized that while everyone knows the problems with VAR, the authorities need to display courage in addressing them.
Regarding the suggestion of scrapping VAR entirely, Klopp vehemently opposed the idea, suggesting that improving its utilization is the more prudent path forward.
Liverpool faced yet another VAR controversy earlier this month against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal when they were denied a penalty for Martin Odegaard’s handball. Despite this, the Reds lead the league table following Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to West Ham.
As they head into 2024, Liverpool aims for a victorious start against Newcastle United on January 1, preceding Mohamed Salah’s departure to join the Egypt camp ahead of the 2023 Afcon finals in Ivory Coast.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool
Liverpool is currently 1st in the Premier League with 42 points.
In the last 19 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 6 times, and lost once. In its last match, Liverpool won 0-2 against Burnley.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 39 goals and conceding 16.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against Newcastle United on Monday 1st of January in Liverpool. The prediction is Liverpool winning the match.
