From Pochettino to Klopp: what the Premier League coaches say about the possibility of a blue card

Technicians Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Maurizio Pochettino (Chelsea) e Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) expressed their opinion refusal of the blue card which the International Board (IFAB) is looking to introduce into professional football soon.

The possible inclusion of this new warning for players has caused divisions of opinion. There are those who are waiting for the new rule whose main objective is to limit players’ complaints against referees and avoid excesses in protests.

However, others have already spoken out against this proposal. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp took advantage of Friday’s press conference to express his opinion: “It doesn’t seem like a great idea at first. But the truth is, I can’t remember the last time these people (IFAB) had a great idea, if they ever had one.”.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea manager, also joined in the criticism: “It’s not a good idea at the moment, but we’ll see what happens next, because it’s an opportunity to see how it works. My first feeling is that it’s very complicated because there are a lot of questions.”.

Arsenal’s Spanish manager, Mikel Arteta, also has doubts about this situation and said he doesn’t know if “they are prepared for this”. Furthermore, he added: “I hope they test it extensively before introducing it at this level”.

How it would work and FIFA’s strong warning

The possible change in the rules of this sport, which would have been approved by the IFAB (International Football Association Board), the body responsible for modifying the various articles, caused such a stir that FIFA itself had to issue a statement in which it clarified that , Although its discussion is on the agenda of the next meeting on March 2, The information that emerged was “incorrect and premature”.

“Any such testing, if implemented, should be limited to responsible testing at the lowest levels, a position that FIFA intends to reiterate when this agenda item is discussed at the IFAB Annual General Meeting on 2 March”world football’s governing body clarified.

How would the new blue card be used? Referees could use it in two particular situations in the match: when there are excessive protests from players and with so-called ‘tactical fouls’, for example the interruption of a promising attack which does not lead to a sending off. Players who receive this card will be out of the game for 10 minutes, as happens in other sports such as rugby and field hockey.

On the other hand, the accumulation of two blues in the same match will constitute a red. That is, expulsion from the entire match and disqualification for the following match, same result if the blue card is combined with a yellow card.

These new cards will undoubtedly mark a new milestone and revolution in the world of football as it will be the first time that the card system will be changed since the current red and yellow cards were introduced in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.