Premier League matchday spectators could return to stadium next month
Jurgen Klopp says he welcomes the news that Liverpool fans could be cleared to return to Anfield by January.
The Reds boss, however, admits he "struggles to put faith" in the Government's announcement that as many as 4,000 could watch matches live at Premier League stadiums from December.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed a 'winter plan' aimed at dealing with the coronavirus pandemic over the course of the next few months.
Part of the proposals will see supporters permitted to return to stadiums in reduced capacities, should the respective area fall into a Tier One or Two category.
If the stadium in question falls in a Tier One area, 4,000 fans will be allowed to return, or up to 50 per cent of the stadium’s capacity, depending which figure is lower.
That means that Anfield may be able to re-open its doors to followers as of next month, but while Klopp is pleased by the news, he has admitted some trepidation over the developments.
"I don't think it's unfair [that some clubs will be able to return fans and some won’t]," Klopp said on Tuesday as he previewed Wednesday's Champions League game with Atalanta at Anfield.
"The rules depend on different areas. The problem I have at the moment is that I struggle to put faith in any kind of announcement.
"And I don't understand why we would now have 2,000 people in a stadium of 60,000 people, and 2,000 people in a stadium of 9,000 people.
"But I’m not surprised that it is not finally thought through, to be honest.
"I don’t think it's unfair, it's just the situation. It’s the world in the moment and we cannot change these kind of things."
Following the Government's announcement, Liverpool said they will continue to liaise with key city partners to ensure people are able to return to Anfield safely.
A statement read: " Liverpool Football Club welcomes the Government's announcement regarding the proposed return of fans into sports stadia.
"We will continue to work with our city partners, including Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and Spirit of Shankly, in order to establish the most up-to-date health guidance and the most effective process for the safe return of supporters.
"While we await confirmation of which tier the city of Liverpool will be placed in, we continue to work through our plans and will make further announcements in due course."