Jurgen Klopp has been targeted by Andros Townsend after the Everton star claimed that his "moaning" has resulted in the Premier League 's substitution rule change.
Next season teams will be able to make five substitutes as apposed to the traditional three, and squads will be able to name nine players on the bench every matchday. The five subs rule was initially bought across the game in May 2020 after the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Clubs then voted against the rule continuing for the following season as felt it gave those with bigger squads an unfair advantage. But next season Premier League clubs will be able to make five subs per game once more, and Townsend has said it's down to Klopp's 'years of moaning'.
"I love how Jurgen Klopp has found a way to get his way again," Townsend said on talkSPORT. "He's been moaning for years, they've been pushing it back and finally they've given in and given him his five subs.
"He will probably still use two or three in the biggest games but who are we to argue with him. The biggest games, Liverpool and City they use one or two subs. They don't use the three subs that it has been.
"It's the games against Crystal Palace or Brentford, the games where they can't break teams down when it's 0-0 and they have 11 behind the ball. 'Right, can we bring on five world-class internationals who are fresh and can change a game to break down this stubborn defence'.
"I think that's where it becomes unfair. I don't think it will make it less competitive, it's the most competitive league in the world. But I think it just gives the top sides that extra advantage and hopefully my side is one of those teams that will have an advantage.
"And on a personal level, as a player coming back from an ACL injury, five subs will probably suit me. But I just think on the whole it suits Jurgen Klopp."
Klopp is just one of many managers that has complained about injury problems over the past few seasons, and with Liverpool playing every game possible last season, the change will be a welcome addition for the Reds. But Everton also had their share of issues last season, which almost saw them drop into the Championship.
Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association explained the decision back in March. Speaking about the rule change Molango said: "The adoption of this rule is a welcome step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue."
And the Premier League backed this up with a statement which read: "The wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority and the Premier League will continue to monitor the national Covid-19 situation and adapt league-wide protocols as required, in line with the latest guidance from public health authorities and medical experts."
The five substitutions can be made on three occasions during a match and also at half-time. These changes are in addition to the permanent concussion substitutions introduced on the recommendation of IFAB, allowing Premier League clubs two extra replacements if players show signs of a head injury.
