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Rivals Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola united in their concern for players' safety during the international break as Liverpool and Manchester City stars prepare to jet off with their countries

Rivals Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are united in their concern for players’ safety in the upcoming international break.

Guardiola said he would ‘pray’ Manchester City’s players return fit and healthy while Liverpool boss Klopp suggested FIFA should let clubs withdraw players unless national associations supply protocols on Covid-19.

A number of players have previously tested positive during or after international duty including Xherdan Shaqiri (Liverpool) and Stuart Armstrong (Southampton).

Pep Guardiola raised concerns over player safety for the upcoming international break
Jurgen Klopp suggested FIFA should let clubs withdraw players from their national squads unless they supply protocols on Covid-19

‘I am concerned. It feels safer when we are all together,’ said Klopp, whose players will travel around the world to represent their countries after today’s game against City.