Jurgen Klopp left out most of his senior players from the starting lineup of the team that took on Plymouth Argyle in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie, a decision that was heavily criticized as the game ended as a draw with a return leg being scheduled.
The Liverpool’s boss defended his decision amid the criticism but promised he won’t be repeating same feat against Southampton as he said he will be using his “best team” against The Saints.
Emre Can was the most senior player to have started as Jurgen Klopp otherwise named a very young starting eleven, a decision that backfired as the game ended in a stalemate draw.
The Liverpool boss also confirmed Coutinho may be back against the Saints as he is fit and has trained few sessions. Other senior team players are also available with only Henderson still in doubt.
“We made the changes against Plymouth for different reasons. There was no real alternative for different reasons,” he told reporters. “On Wednesday we will play the best team we can. If you ask for a rating in England the League Cup is third but while you are still in it, it is the most important cup.
“I have absolutely no problem with criticism but it was not about under-estimating an opponent. It is not about young, old, whatever. It is about which line-up made the most sense because of the injury situations of the players and the timing – when do we play who?”
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