Klopp Thanks Liverpool ‘Kids’ For Stepping Up Amid Injury Crisis
Jurgen Klopp has thanked the younger members of his Liverpool squad for stepping up in the absence of regular stars currently sidelined with various injury problems.
Liverpool’s start to the 2020/2021 season has been marred by injuries to regular members of Klopp’s starting eleven.
The likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson Becker, James Milner, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Thiago Alcantara and Joe Gomez are all on the treatment table.
Nonetheless, Liverpool have booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as group winners with a game to spare and are also second in the Premier League, level on points with leaders Tottenham, who have a superior goal difference.
Neco Williams, Rhys Williams, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher have all impressed when given the chance to feature.
"It's the first time we haven't needed a result in the final game," said Klopp ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game at Midtjylland. "We have to consider the general situation but we are Liverpool and we want to win the game.
"Our squad is already very young, five or six players in the whole campaign so far.
"Yes, they [the youngsters] will travel and then we make decisions. We have a session later. I have a few hours to make decisions. They will all play a part in my thinking.
"Without them we would be lost. Vitor Matos [Liverpool's elite development coach] and Pep Lijnders [Klopp's assistant] are really close with that group and they were well prepared. So that's why we could use them.
"We had some problems for injuries, that is clear. We've lost top-class players but when one door closes another opens up but you need the right kids to use.
"And how the boys did it... Rhys [Williams] exceptional, Neco [Williams] played two good games in a row. Curtis [Jones] plays like he has for 10 years.
"Caoimhin [Kelleher] - it is a big chance for him - so thank God for these boys.
"[Getting 15 points] is another reason [to go for the win]. We will try everything but we cannot forget the situation we are in, which means we play on Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday.
"In the next 22 days we play six games. So, we try everything to be prepared. I want to see our way of playing, whoever plays. It's clear for the boys how intense we want to be for the opponent."
