So, Shrewsbury deservedly got a replay after an excellent second half performance that put a few premier league teams efforts against to shame.
Them getting a replay and coming to Anfield is a big deal for them. The players, the fans, the money men. The very swift announcement post the game on Sunday by Klopp that he wouldn't take charge and no senior players would be involved was unequivocal.
Ok, so I agree in principle with his stance around the winter break. The governing bodies asked all premier league teams to respect the break and not organise any games in that period. To then put a caveat in there that the same governing bodies could schedule games, specifically 4th round replays, is contradictory.
Klopp has been very vocal about the schedule and the pressure it puts on players in terms of injury welfare and recovery. At first it might have sounded like a little bit of "sour grapes" from a manager of good first XI but struggling with strength in depth 2 seasons back. The squad is undoubtedly much deeper and stronger now, albeit with a couple of key positions that are exposed, but his message has remained the same.
I'm going to criticise the Jurgen now. But hear me out before grabbing pitchforks and lighted torches! The timing of the announcement for me was too soon. To tell the media and the fans in the immediate aftermath of the game was poor. Why? The opposition were still basking in the joy of their comeback, and enjoying their moment. Making the announcement at that point smacked of a dismissive and disrespectful attitude towards Shrewsbury. Let them enjoy their moment, let the dust settle and then make the announcement. After the club had a chance to sort the ticketing prices out and discuss with Shrewsbury any financial arrangements around potential gate shortfall based on the club's decision.
For clubs like Shrewsbury, coming to Anfield is often a once in a generation occasion, more so after coming from 2 down in the first game. It's a chance for the players and staff to pit their wits against a top team on their own turf, give their fans a day out and almost as importantly provide a club at that level a financial windfall that helps them improve, stay in business, or worry less about finance for a period.
You've just stepped off the pitch having earned a replay against the European champions, you're looking forward to it and the occasion in that moment only to have be told almost immediately that a youth side would be selected and that the home manager wouldn't be there. I'm sure Klopp didn't intend it to come across the way I'm painting it but I'm sure that many of us, being objective, can agree it could have been handled better.
Anyway, enough Klopp bashing! I've said I agree with this stance on the mid winter break. I've agreed with his fixture priorities and squad selection in the main, albeit a couple of times I was worried but the performance and result proved I know very little.
3 months ago the FA cup was an unnecessary distraction from our main aim of winning the title. We were in a good position league wise but we all knew it was early days. Fast forward to now and the league position we find ourselves in. Suddenly, the FA cup is less of a distraction and presents an opportunity to gain further silverware - granted well behind the title and the European Cup. Then I look at last season and Man City and their domestic treble. Great teams are capable of winning multiple major trophies in the same season. Yes the title had to be the main aim and protected. However at this stage with the league table as it is could we afford to give the FA Cup more credence. We've had a run of injuries and those coming back need match fitness. The squad players need match sharpness and the youth get an opportunity as well.
Sunday showed us that Fabinho, Lovren and Matip are short of match fitness and needed that under their belts. Shaqiri hasn't had much game time, Ox has been a little off recently etc etc.
People have posed the question recently to Liverpool fans of; would you sacrifice an unbeaten but title winning season for the European Cup. The only sensible answer is yes. Unbeaten would be amazing but a title and big ears bigger.
Perhaps the poser should be, would we sacrifice an unbeaten but title winning season for winning the FA Cup. In other words, unbeaten in league or the double?
I'd pick the double. Now it's your turn to add your bits and shoot me down, if you feel that way.