This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Liverpool could be forced to replay their Carabao Cup clash with MK Dons, which may be an even worse outcome than just getting kicked out of the competition.
What’s the word?
According to The Times, the Reds may have to play the League One outfit again due to the issue surrounding Pedro Chirivella’s eligibility.
The report claims Jurgen Klopp is horrified by the possibility, and it’s easy to see why.
Excluding the international break, the Reds are currently set to play two games a week until the next round of Carabao Cup fixtures, so they would either have to squeeze the replay into a three-match week, or even worse, push the next round back and play the replay when other teams play in the next round, forcing the potential clash with Arsenal deeper into the busy festive period.
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Worst possible outcome
It has long been a joke amongst Liverpool fans that Klopp does not care about domestic cups.
Maybe it’s because of the line-ups stacked full of fringe and youth players he deploys, or maybe it’s because he hasn’t won one in England yet, but you only need to look at the reactions to the news of the ineligible player dispute to see what fans think, as one even said: “Klopp will be happy!”
Joke or not however, there is definitely an argument to be made that the Reds would be better off out of the competition than face another away trip against a tough-tackling lower-league team in the midst of some huge Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
Let’s not forget when Klopp’s side slipped up in the league last term, as they drew four out of six games between January and March and scored just two goals in those four draws, a sure sign of fatigue after a hectic winter schedule.
Sure, Liverpool are a massive club and want every trophy they can get their hands on. But, if it’s a choice between sacrificing the proverbial Mickey Mouse cup or letting it affect the push for Premier League and Champions League glory, then getting dumped out of the competition may just be the best possible outcome.