Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Liverpool’s peripheral players may have an opportunity to break into the first team, as his regular players are currently struggling
Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Liverpool’s less utilized players could have an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in the team as he looks for a solution to his side’s recent struggles.
Klopp has also suggested that only a few players in his team are guaranteed starters. Liverpool suffered a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, marking their third consecutive loss in all competitions.
Despite a poor season, Liverpool is still in the hunt for European qualification. They have managed to stay in eighth place thanks to a series of fortunate results.
However, with the team’s third straight defeat in all competitions. Klopp has acknowledged that many spots in the squad are up for grabs due to the lackluster efforts of his regular picks.
As the team prepares for a trip to Chelsea on Tuesday, Klopp sees an opportunity for fringe players to push for inclusion.
Klopp looks for ‘opportunities to change’
“We have opportunities to change, and we have to change,” he told Sky Sports News. “Liverpool cannot just close our eyes and say ‘the same again and again’.
“We have to change. and now the door is miles open for everybody to get into the team because there’s only two or three who have their spot safe.
“The boys know. We have to fight through this, that’s the only way.
“You cannot play a little bit of here and there. or play with a backheel five times in a row and [hope] something will happen.
“You have to really open your eyes, put everything straight and go. That’s what we will do.”
Klopp openly criticized his team after their heavy defeat to City. He is not worried that his comments will have a negative impact on team morale.
“The players feel very responsible for everything. so there’s not one player in the dressing room who doesn’t care,” he added.
“We were underperforming in almost every other position and that doesn’t help. None of the performances were great, and you cannot play like that against City.
“You cannot play like that in the Premier League. The next opponent requires everything we have to offer and that’s what we prepare for.”
