James Pearce has revealed that all Premier League clubs were made aware that fourth-round FA Cup replays would lead to a shorter winter break for those involved.

What did he say?

Jurgen Klopp said following his side’s 2-2 draw away at Shrewsbury on Sunday that neither he nor his players would be involved in the return match at Anfield, saying that the Premier League had asked clubs last April to not schedule any matches, either friendly or competitive, during the two-week winter break.

Call yourself a Liverpool expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

However, Pearce has revealed that all sides were informed that their involvement in the cup competition could see them have a shorter period of time off.

Damning indictment

To an extent, you can understand Klopp’s frustration. Just when he thought his side would be getting themselves a well-deserved two weeks off, they will now need to play once again in midweek. Why there are any matches scheduled at all during that period is a mystery.

Having said that, this update from Pearce shows that, whilst the 52-year-old can still be unhappy with the amount of matches and the planning, he cannot say he hasn’t been warned. His comments after the match appeared to indicate that the fourth-replay had not even come up in conversation, but The Athletic journalist has disproved that.

At the end of the day, he has every right to play a weakened side full of U23s – even though it may not be a popular decision, he can field whoever he wants – but he is wrong to say that he will not be there either. He should show far more respect to a competition that is full of history and tradition, and to use half-truths and misleading proof as an excuse is not really befitting of the manager of the European champions. He is better than that.

Meanwhile, Liverpool should try to sign this man over Real Madrid’s Isco.