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Klopp says getting vaccinated shows "solidarity, loyalty and togetherness"

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has underlined the importance of players and staff being vaccinate...



Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has underlined the importance of players and staff being vaccinated against COVID-19. 

He was speaking as the Premier League ramped up its coronavirus measures in the face of its highest number of positive tests.

On Monday it was confirmed that 42 positive cases were highlighted in the league's latest round of testing. Matches involving Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been postponed due to outbreaks at both clubs, and the league is working to mitigate further cancellations.

"I support these new measures," Klopp said on Wednesday.

"I'm earlier on the training ground than most of the players. We get tested before we arrive and then go back to the cars.

"When the lateral flow is negative, then we are allowed to enter the training ground. Yesterday we were all negative and we hope it is the same today.

"The vaccination status of the team is quite good. We got boosters for all those who were eligible. For medical reasons, some were not allowed in that moment but will be done in the next few days.

"The rest got the booster a few days ago and hopefully we can do that with the whole team.

"For me, vaccination is a question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness.

"We have all the chance to help not only ourselves but other people as well, by getting vaccinated. There are not two possible answers, there is only one answer: you do it.

"Everyone who is working at the AXA Training Centre is at least double vaccinated and will get a booster as soon as possible."

Earlier this year, Klopp compared those opting against the vaccine to drink-drivers.

The Liverpool boss was less forthcoming regarding next month's Africa Cup of Nations.

The European Clubs Association (ECA) - of which Liverpool is a member - said on Wednesday it will refuse to release players for the tournament unless safety guidelines can be guaranteed for players travelling to Cameroon.

Mo Salah, Sadio Mané and Naby Keita are all set to be involved for their respective countries, but Klopp does not know when - or, indeed, if - they'll be leaving him.

"No, we don't know exactly," he told the media ahead of Thursday's Premier League meeting with Newcastle, "There will be a moment the national coaches announce their plans and we will know as well.

"We were in conversations but decisions will be made somewhere else."

"I think you can understand why this is not a question for me to answer... if I am happy about it or not."

"I will not answer the question," he added, "That's it.

Klopp did reveal that there is nothing to the rumour that Joel Matip was considering ending his international exile to play for Cameroon in the tournament.

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Covid-19 Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Vaccines