While there’s absolutely no guarantee the Reds will be crowned winners were the season called off entirely, the club is taking a safety-first strategy.
Liverpool have welcomed the decision to postpone the Premier League in an effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the uncertainty over what it might mean for their expected name win.
While the disease originated in China, there are now coronavirus hotspots across much of the rest of Asia and Europe.
The worldwide death toll has passed 5,000, while the supported number of cases has surpassed 125,000.
At the last count, 798 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the united kingdom and 10 had expired. With Arsenal director Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi one of those affected, it was announced on Friday morning that the Premier League, FA, EFL and WSL had jointly agreed to postpone expert soccer in England in reaction to the outbreak.
While the Premier League will be on hold until April 4 at the earliest, the amount of coronavirus cases in the UK is expected to rise substantially during the next few months and additional postponements are possible.
Based on whether games can feasibly be rescheduled, it remains possible that the season could be called off entirely.
Though nothing was decided, there isn’t any assurance that Liverpool will be given the Premier League title by default were the season cut short. Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently top of the table on 82 points and, though their closest rivals have a match in hand, they’re a huge 25 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Nonetheless, Liverpool have endorsed the decision to postpone the league season and are taking a safety-first strategy.
“Liverpool Football Club continues to execute the government’s information on the coronavirus outbreak and welcomes the Premier League announcement to postpone all matches, including Premier League, FA Cup, academy and Women’s Super League fixtures, in the best interests of players, staff and fans,” read a statement on the club’s website.
“The team has implemented its own precautions across its websites to minimise the spread of the coronavirus by minimising contact where practicable and strengthening the official medical advice for all to take responsibility for excellent personal hygiene.”
Together with the Premier League, FA Cup, Football League and WSL, all UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League have been postponed.
Though they were knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid earlier this week, Liverpool’s league fixtures against Everton and Crystal Palace will be affected. Should the Premier League return on April 4, but the Reds’ next game may be an away trip to face City in the Etihad.
