Jurgen Klopp criticises UEFA Nations League

The German boss has made no secret of his dislike for the competition, which has been introduced by European football's governing body to try and combat the lack of spectacle in meaningless friendlies.

Speaking ahead of his team's trip to Huddersfield in the Premier League on Saturday the former Dortmund manager said there was already enough competitive football: ''Do you want opera every night or every two months? 

''I like big competitions but at some point everyone has to step back. The Nations League is a good idea but do it in another sport because in football there is no space for it.''

''You don't want to see Anthony Joshua fighting every other night. That's not possible. In no other sports - the American football has a real, proper break.

''Basketball they have a summer league. Only football. Everyone wants big competitions where you can get relegated, promoted, playing for something. 

''I like competition but at one point somebody has to step back and think they are players, how can we make sure they perform? 

''I may as well have said it to the coffee machine. No-one is interested.''