LIVERPOOL could celebrate winning the Premier League – in a cabin stuck out in a car park!
SunSport understands two makeshift dressing rooms will be installed this week for Jurgen Klopp’s side to use at Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane could find themselves celebrating Liverpool’s title win in a car parkCredit: Reuters
Cross-city rivals Everton will occupy both the home and away changing areas – one for players and the other for staff so social distancing can be maintained.
But the visitors from the red half of Merseyside, who will be crowned champions for the first time in 30 years if Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Wednesday and Klopp’s men beat the Toffees, will be housed in the temporary facilities behind the Sir Philip Carter Park Stand.
The cabins, one for Klopp’s champions-elect to change in and the other for his backroom staff, will be located in the car park for players and also broadcast trucks.
It means Liverpool are unlikely to use the tight Goodison tunnel either before, at half-time or after the game as access from the cabins to the pitch is straight forward.
The Premier League have turned to using cabins at older stadiums as part of new safety protocols for Project Restart.
A Prem spokesperson confirmed: “Under our match day protocols, adequate space should be available in each Team and Match Officials’ Dressing Rooms to allow social distancing to be adhered to.
“To meet these requirements, clubs can consider the use of additional rooms that can be utilised as changing facilities.”
Social distancing guidelines mean for 25 people to use a room it would have to be around 112 square metres – far bigger than a number of changing rooms at grounds throughout the Premier League.
Strict protocols in place mean it will also be forbidden for Liverpool to all celebrate in one room after the game – meaning the Reds players and staff will only be able to raise a glass as part of two separate groups and for no longer than 40 minutes.
The entire squad and backroom staff will only be permitted to celebrate together after social distancing restrictions have been sufficiently lifted.
The clash only received the green light to go ahead at Goodison – rather than a neutral venue – last week from the local council.
Cops have warned fans from both clubs to stay at home and they will be backed by messages from bosses Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti, along with stars Mo Salah and Leighton Baines.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
