Jurgen Klopp Backs Scrapping VAR in Final Liverpool Press Conference
Jurgen Klopp, in his last pre-match press conference as Liverpool manager, surprisingly threw his weight behind scrapping VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology.
Premier League to Discuss VAR’s Future
The Premier League is set to debate the future of VAR at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) next month after a proposal from Wolverhampton Wanderers to abolish it as reported by Sports Buddy, two-thirds majority vote is required for the proposal to pass, making it unlikely.
While Liverpool is expected to advocate for continued use of VAR with improvements, Klopp expressed his disapproval of the current system.
Jurgen Klopp stated: “How it’s used is definitely not right. How they use it, I would vote against it. These people cannot do it properly. VAR is not the problem, you cannot change the people so I would vote for scrapping VAR.” (rephrased)
Wolves Advocate for VAR Removal
The push to remove VAR comes from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have been on the receiving end of several controversial decisions this season. Their chairman, Jeff Shi, warned of lasting damage to the Premier League if significant changes aren’t made.
Shi commented: speaking to The Telegraph “The Premier League’s match attending fans are becoming increasingly disengaged due to the negative impact of VAR on our match experience…
All of this is detrimental to the Premier League’s brand and reputation, and if we don’t halt it now, the damage may become irrevocable.”
Jurgen Klopp Acknowledges Wolves’ VAR Misfortune
Klopp acknowledged that Wolves have been particularly unfortunate with VAR decisions this season, even calling them “the champions” of such misfortune.
He also cautioned his players to expect a determined performance from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who will be looking to spoil Liverpool’s emotional farewell to their manager.
Klopp added: “It’s a massive challenge to sit here. I’ve no idea how the team meeting will be… Can I be on fire? Probably yes but I don’t know. I want us to play top football, people come for that. Atmosphere will be cool if it can be a football atmosphere.” V
Klopp’s comments add another layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate about VAR. With the Premier League set to make a crucial decision on its future, his surprising stance highlights the complexities surrounding the technology.
