Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said taking the Covid-19 vaccine is about “solidarity, loyalty and togetherness” as he revealed his whole squad has been at least double-jabbed.
Two Premier League games were postponed in the past week due with cases at Tottenham and Manchester United, and smaller outbreaks at Leicester, Norwich and Aston Villa.
Klopp was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Anfield on Thursday.
“We are like the whole world concerned about it, but we do what we can. The vaccination status of the team is quite good.”
“Everyone here is at least double vaccinated and will get a booster as soon as possible.
“The whole vaccination thing is for me a question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness and we have all the chance to help not only ourselves but other people as well by getting vaccinated.
“There are no two possible answers, there is only one answer. That is how I understand it.”
Players and staff must now take a lateral flow test every time they enter their training ground as part of the protocols. Twice-weekly PCR testing will also be re-introduced.
The increased testing sits alongside the other recently introduced emergency measures, including face coverings, limiting treatment room time and observing social distancing.
Klopp said the reintroduction of measures is a no-brainer and one he completely supports.
“It is how it is in these times. We get tested before we arrive, go back to the cars and then when the lateral flow is negative, we can enter the training ground.
“Yesterday we were all negative and we hope the same is the case today.”
However, the German would not be drawn on the status of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is due to start in Cameroon on January 9.
Liverpool’s title challenge could be impacted by the tournament with top scorers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due to depart to represent Egypt and Senegal respectively.
The European Club Association, which represents leading clubs across the continent, has threatened not to release players due to fears over Covid protocols.
