In an attempt to prevent their players from participating in international duty this month, the two managers have been left with no choice other than to give up. Klopp had a desire to stop Diogo Jota from Joining his teammates in international duty this month while Ole Gunnar had wanted to keep his star, Bruno Fernandes, away from his National team involvement.
The two managers had earlier made it clear their intention clear on hopes of blocking their key players out of the Portugal National Team. This is because of the protocols that require traveling players to quarantine for at least 10 days on their return to the UK
Earlier March, Klopp was quoted saying
“I think everyone agrees we cannot let the players go and play for their country and come back and quarantine for 10 days in a hotel, that is not how we can do it,”
“FIFA was kind of clear that we don’t have to let the players go this time, and I think all the clubs agree that with the same problems we cannot just let the boys go.”
Ole Gunnar was in support of Klopp viewpoint. However, Ole Gunnar admitted that the final decision was yet to be made. He said,
“We have not sat down and made a proper call on that one but it doesn’t make sense if you lose your player for 10 days’ isolation because we are the ones paying the players,” he said after United’s draw with Crystal Palace.
“I want Bruno ready for Brighton and hopefully we will be through in Europe and against Tottenham after that.”
With Portugal’s recent removal from UK’s “Red List,” it will be difficult for the two managers to be successful in blocking their involvement with their national teams.
ALSO READ:
Ante Rebic calls referee mother a “prostitute” and receives two Serie A game suspension.
Ole Gunnar explains why he made no subs in United win over Westham.
Manchester United equaled Alex Ferguson’s 9 years ago record in a win against Westham
With both managers reluctant on risking their players on international duty, they have no much they can do. Jota has for a while been sidelined due to a knee injury and wanting to risk him is the last thing in his mind, but he can have nothing much to do.
