Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that CAF’s decision to move the African Cup of Nations back to January will have a negative impact on the club's transfer policy.
The AFCON will now be played next winter in the middle of the Premier League season, whereas the last one took place in the summer.
With Klopp’s side set to lose players like Mo Salah, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane for up to six weeks, the Reds’ boss warned that the move may stop clubs buying African players in the future.
Here is what he had to say: ‘'I couldn't respect the African Cup of Nations more than I do because I like the competition.
‘'But it is an obvious problem that you play a tournament in the middle of the season, The African Cup of Nations going back to January is, for us, a catastrophe.
‘’It doesn't help African players. We will not sell Sadio, Mo or Naby just because they have a tournament in January and February – of course not – but if you have to make a decision about bringing in a player it is a massive one because before the season you know for four weeks you don't have them.
‘'That's a normal process and as a club, you have to think about these things. It doesn't help the players, for sure.
See Also | African Cup Of Nations: All The Records & Statistics Detailed
‘’But these decisions are made without asking the players, without asking the managers, without asking anyone. It is just a decision.'’
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
