Champions League

Aleksander Ceferin hits back at Jurgen Klopp Champions League criticism

By Sammy Wynne | 26 April 2021

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin hits back at Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's criticism of the newly formatted Champions League, insisting that pay cuts will be necessary.

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has hit back at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp following the German's criticism of the plans for the newly formatted Champions League.

The proposal by UEFA is that the Champions League will increase from a 32-club competition to a 36-club tournament, which will see the traditional group stages be replaced by a single league format, increasing the number of games for each team.

Klopp has been outspoken about the European Super League and the new Champions League format, after raising complaints about a hectic schedule for a couple of seasons already.

A report suggests that Ceferin has admitted that the governing body is open to alternative ideas surrounding the format of the Champions League, but has said that players and managers will have to take a pay cut if there is no change to the competition.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Slovenian chief said: "Some coaches and players said too many matches. There can always be less matches but also the salaries of the players and coaches have to adapt. You cannot generate less and earn more all the time.

"I read some people saying: 'We don't want more matches.' I'm fine with that, really, I am. If the Champions League stays as it is, it will still be the best competition in the world.

"Our reforms came about because clubs need help responding to the financial crisis. We can carry on as we are but clubs will go out of business. And who does that hurt most? Their fans.

"So, while I understand what some people are saying, I'd ask them 'What is your solution?' We believe the reforms we are making have advantages for everyone.But we have been clear they are not fully set in stone so, if those people have better ideas that safeguard the future of football as well as ours, I will listen."

The plans for the newly formatted Champions League are set to commence in 2024, although Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists that the European Super League is not finished yet.