Liverpool update: Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on squad as cruel injury blow confirmed
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addressed the media following his side’s win over LASK and in the build-up to their Premier League encounter with West Ham at Anfield
Liverpool face West Ham this weekend, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the new season.
The Reds came from behind for the second time in less than a week in beating LASK in midweek, having done the same at Wolves last Saturday. That’s one concerning trend Jurgen Klopp would want to see addressed, with his side conceding first in four of their last five matches.
Other than that, it has been a thoroughly impressive start to the reboot Klopp is calling ‘ Liverpool 2.0’. That refresh will be given a stern test on Sunday however against a West Ham side enjoying a similarly positive start to the new season.
Klopp spoke to the press following the win in Linz and prior to the game with the Hammers hitting on a number of key issues. Here are the biggest talking points and notable bits of information coming out of Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp details Darwin Nunez’s “only problem” at Liverpool and how he’s resolved it
Jurgen Klopp makes European history with Liverpool as scratchy Reds stage LASK comeback
Klopp makes transfer claim
After bemoaning a lack of depth in recent times, the Kop boss is now loving his fresh squad filled with options. The summer was all about rejuvenating a group of players that had appeared to grow a little tired and stale after a period of unrelenting success.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo were all drafted in during the summer window. Allowing him to make wholesale changes, like the 11 he made in Austria.
And with a new-look midfield and a rotating group of attacking forwards at his disposal, there is a belief that Liverpool now have a squad to compete with their rivals at the top of the Premier League.
“I love the squad and I love the depth. For a squad still without Thiago, no Trent and no Conor Bradley we can still change 11 names. It’s absolutely crazy.”
Teenage winger Kaide Gordon has suffered a fresh injury, just weeks after making his long-awaited return to action. The 18-year-old missed more than 18 months of football with a pelvic problem, finally getting back on the pitch at the start of this month.
But the splashsoccer report he subsequently rolled his ankle, meaning he is back on the treatment table. Fortunately, this isn’t expected to be a lengthy lay off and the former Derby County youngster will hopefully be back in a matter of weeks.
Gordon was signed from the Rams in a deal which could reach £3million back in 2021. He has made his senior debut and became the club’s second youngest ever scorer at the start of last year.
Jarell Quansah looked every bit the Premier League defender as he showed exactly why Liverpool were reluctant to spend big on a defender. With Virgil van Dijk suspended and Ibrahima Konate deemed fit enough only for the bench, the 20-year-old was given his first league start for the club at Wolves.
And he helped the Reds to victory with a performance belying his inexperience under the bright lights. And Klopp is tipping the young defender to make an impact not only at club, but international level.
