It's funny how Guardiola and Henderson are basically making the same point, yet, Guardiola's thread mostly has bitter posts in it and this one mostly understanding posts (until the current page, maybe). I wish some posters could temporarily shut off their anti-Pool and anti-City mindsets and consider the points made for their merit, but I guess that's too much to ask for.
Don't have a problem with his viewpoint although others may not have the luxury to demand such working conditions of their employers. Yes knowledge workers are incredibly lucky to be able to keep making money through this crisis right from the comfort of their homes without having to put themselves or their families at risk.
Other's don't have that luxury whether or not they provide an essential service. They need to earn to make ends meet so the choice really is death by covid or by hunger.
I personally would be much more supportive of Henderson's demands if he also promised to donate his salary during the lockdown weeks to a charity working to help families impacted by the pandemic.
Footballers might help set precedent though. The argument 'they're privileged so can't complain' is destructive, as eventually virtually everyone has some level of privilege over others - if not inside the UK, then outside of it. ('Think flipping burgers for 10 hours straight without minimal breaks is hard? Try being a farmer in North Korea!') The opposite is much better: no matter your pay and benefits, you still need to have healthy and humane work conditions.
It's a bit of a stretch maybe, but ultimately, the more common that attitude is in society, the more likely it is to spread to every workplace.
Maybe he should have a word with his own manager then who just the other day was advocating the league carry on and doesn’t temporarily postpone as he didn’t think it would change anything.
It's different subjects. Klopp was arguing that there is no point in a COVID-19 break if COVID-19 is still around just as much right after the break. Henderson is talking about player welfare in general. For that matter, Klopp has also since his arrival in England criticized the congested schedule, especially concerning the matches around the holidays and the lack of a winter break.
Whether we like it or not, the life of a footballer is very different to a 'normal' occupation and thus should be treated as such.
Being a footballer gives you immense priviliges that other members of society don't have.
If skipping games during Xmas end up being a detriment to their career then of course it is an issue but I honestly don't think it will be to any of them.
I agree with
@Silent Witness's replies to your posts in this thread. My opinion is above: just because they're in a privileged job doesn't mean that they shouldn't have a healthy workplace.
And no, footballers can't just say that they're tired today. Except if the club physio agrees, but then it's the same as any injury.
