Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has sparked controversy with his comments on the hydration breaks implemented at the 2026 World Cup, leaving England fans furious. Klopp, now working as a pundit for German TV during the tournament in North America, expressed mixed feelings about the policy.
Klopp's View on Hydration Breaks
Speaking to reporters in the United States, Klopp acknowledged the benefits for players in the sweltering conditions. “It’s really hot and it’s good for the players,” he said. “Is it good for the coaches? Yeah, I would have loved it. Maybe it’s a little bit too much right now.”
However, he criticised the duration of the breaks, which last around two and a half minutes. “It’s definitely too long because for drinking, you don’t need two and a half minutes or whatever,” Klopp added. He noted that in the stadium, the break is tolerable due to entertainment like cheerleaders, but acknowledged that television viewers might dislike the commercial interruptions.
England Fans React
The hydration break during England's goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday night was met with boos from supporters in Boston, despite rain falling during parts of the game. Temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity at many matches, prompting FIFA to introduce the breaks for player safety.
Liverpool's World Cup Contingent
Liverpool have eight players at the World Cup: Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Alisson Becker (Brazil), Florian Wirtz (Germany), Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina), Alexander Isak (Sweden), and Victory Munoz (Spain). Munoz, a new signing, is yet to make his tournament debut.
