99 per cent” of Liverpool’s players are vaccinated against Covid-19 – Klopp

As concerns over take-up in the Premier League emerge, the Reds boss gave an impassioned speech explaining why he is fully in favour of the covid19 vaccine

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that “99 per cent” of Liverpool’s players are vaccinated against Covid-19.

In a speech ahead of his team’s Premier League clash with reigning champions Manchester City, Klopp discussed the current issues surrounding vaccination in football, but insisted he had not needed to convince any of his players to take it. They did it voluntarily.

It emerged this week that only seven Premier League clubs have squads where more than 50% of players are fully vaccinated, with reports suggesting the league could now offer ‘rewards’ to clubs who lead the way in terms of ‘Covid-compliance’.

Klopp said: “I think I can say we have 99% vaccinated. I didn’t have to convince the players, it was more a natural decision from the team. I can’t remember talking to players or explaining why he should. I’m not a doctor.

“What I would give, like I do in a lot of other situations, I would give my advice. That was not necessary.

“But in general, it sounds like we are not allowed to give people advice. Where did I get the knowledge from that I think it makes sense to get the vaccination? I called doctors that I had known for years. I called them and asked them: ‘What do you think?’ That’s how I work; if I want to know about something I don’t know about, ask a specialist.

“That’s why I took the vaccination, because I’m in an age group where it could be tricky, and I was really happy I could get it.

“We all know that alcohol is bad for our body, but we still drink it. The vaccination, we assume it’s not good for our body even though most of the specialists tell us it is a solution for this situation at the moment.

Liverpool faces Manchester City on the evening of the 3rd of October.