Raymond Verheijen: Klopp “does not have a clue”

Dutch football coach Raymond Verheijen says Jürgen Klopp’s training methods are the reason why his side has suffered a slump in form.

Verheijen, a fitness specialist who has worked for Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Zenit Saint Petersburg, the Netherlands and Russia and is the author of ‘Complete Handbook of Conditioning for Soccer’, predicted earlier in the season that “Klopp’s intense training and playing style” would eventually result in his players becoming worn out and that a slump in the second half of the season would be likely.

Back then he said: “Because of Klopp’s intense training and playing style, it’s very likely the Liverpool players will struggle in the last months of this season.

“Overall, Klopp is one of the best managers in the world. But he clearly has some flaws in his pre-season training methods. Raise your bar!

“After a few seasons the Dortmund players were totally squeezed by Klopp: many muscle injuries, several ACL injuries and relegation problems.”

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Verheijen, who is considered outspoken and who has previously criticised other high profile coaches, posted a number of comments via Twitter last night following Liverpool’s exit from the League Cup to Southampton.

He said: “Most people in football have opinions on hindsight. Liverpool crumbling in 2nd half of season was already predicted multiple times in August.

“When the Liverpool dip was predicted last August the fans were laughing because Liverpool was winning. But are they still laughing now?

“Liverpool manager Klopp has run his players into the ground during pre-season. Consequently, players cannot perform during an entire season.

“Why are so many people surprised about Liverpool fading in second half of season? It was predicted over and over again during pre-season.

“Fantastic coach. Great in developing a playing style.

“But does not have a clue about the principles of periodisation.”