Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has waded into the FA Cup fourth round replay debate amid comments from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The German explained that he will not take on managerial duties for the replay against Shrewsbury Town at Anfield next month due to the fact that the game will now take place in what was supposed to be the Reds' winter break period.
Klopp confirmed Liverpool's first-team players will largely not take part in the fixture but he has also said he will not be present, as Neil Critchley takes charge once again like he did during the Carabao Cup defeat at Aston Villa earlier this season due to the clash with the FIFA Club World Cup.
Liverpool fans defended Klopp's viewpoint but that hasn't stopped people including Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt taking aim.
Ferdinand has now offered a less volatile opinion but has still criticised Klopp for his stance on the FA Cup fourth round replay.
"When you are a successful team, you are fighting on all fronts and Liverpool are doing that. I totally understand you have to shuffle your pack," Ferdinand told BT Sport ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round clash at Bournemouth.
"He wants to make sure his squad remains fresh and if he thinks he can get through to the next round with a younger team, then so be it. It's a great experience for those players.
"The only issue I have and he's taking a liberty in some ways, is if he's not actually going to be in the dugout.
"That's where I draw the line. I think the manager should be in the dugout for every game. It doesn't matter whether he's putting out a depleted squad or not."
