Klopp & fellow Big Six coaches face more frustration on five substitutions rule

Published on: 03 December 2020

Jurgen Klopp and his fellow Big Six managers face further frustration in their battle to introduce five substitutions in the top flight, with the Premier League seemingly reluctant to sanction the change at this stage of the season.

Sportsmail has learned that a discussion on altering the rules to permit five rather than three substitutions is not on the agenda for Thursday's meeting of the Premier League clubs despite Klopp's claim that 15 of the 20 managers are in favour of making the change.

The Premier League twice voted against making allowing five substitutions during games before the start of the season after it was permitted during last summer's finish to the previous campaign, but the impact of fixture congestion and the large number of injuries sustained across the league has led to some clubs changing their position since the last proposal gained just nine votes in September.

Klopp reignited the debate after James Milner and Andy Robertson suffered muscle injuries during last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton by claiming that he had the backing of 14 other managers, and accused Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder of being selfish for opposing the change.

The EFL reacted to the views of their managers by moving from three to five substitutions after last month's international break, but the Premier League appear in no rush to follow suit.

While club executives will be free to discuss the issue at today's meeting it is not a formal agenda item, which will be dominated by talks over how to capitalise on the imminent return of fans to stadiums, so an imminent vote on the matter is unlikely.

The Premier League could opt to compromise by moving to five substitutions at the halfway point of the season if at least 14 clubs are in favour, on the grounds that such a change would raise fewer concerns over the integrity of the competition.

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

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