[ad_1]
Liverpool assistant chief Pep Lijnders believes that Thiago Alcantara’s positive coronavirus test has highlighted the structure and discipline of the club’s testing protocols.
The Reds announced Tuesday that midfielder Thiago had tested positive for COVID-19 and was in isolation.
Asked about Bayern Munich’s recent signing ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth round home clash with Arsenal, Lijnders said: “It shows once again that health and family are the most important things in life. .
“We wish him a speedy recovery, but I wish everyone who is struggling with the virus at this time a speedy recovery, and I hope all goes well.”
When later asked if there was full confidence regarding the protocols in Liverpool, Lijnders said: “That is why it is a great compliment to our structure, firstly because we have tests in the Premier League venue, but also tests .
“The most important thing is to maintain discipline, and we are following these discipline rules, and we test immediately when something happens. Everything is fine.”
Another player who will not participate on Thursday is captain Jordan Henderson, who has been absent since he suffered a blow in a 2-0 win over Chelsea on September 20.
Lijnders said: “Jordan will re-evaluate on Friday after this game to see if he is ready for (Sunday’s Premier League trip to) Villa, at least to train with us.”
Liverpool also have Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unavailable due to injury, and Kostas Tsimikas is offside as well as suffering a thigh problem in last week’s 7-2 third-round win. in Lincoln.
“We thought it would be solved, but it wasn’t like that and he will need a few more days and the international break as well, so he won’t be involved in both games,” Lijnders said of Tsimikas.
Lijnders has also spoken in support of 19-year-old Liverpool full-back Neco Williams, who was reportedly abused online after Lincoln’s match.
Lijnders said: “First of all, Neco is a doer and doers make mistakes. We do not want a safe game, a player who does not take risks. Our game is based on everyone taking the initiative from every position, and that is what we want.
“One of the most important lessons for every young man that is getting ahead, every player, is that it’s a weakness if you can get caught up in praise and criticism. I think he handled it very well, to be honest. He had players talking to him, we had to our coach talking to him, and it’s also a phase he’s going through. “
Liverpool host Arsenal again three days after beating them 3-1 at Anfield in the Premier League, and Lijnders added: “It’s a completely different context in which we’re going to play this game, and it’s a real win or loss, for course.
“What Mikel (Arteta, the Arsenal manager) installed at Arsenal and what all good teams in Europe and the Premier League have is a clear identity. So with the change of players or whatever, it stays the same. They will try to improve, for sure, but that’s the same for us. “
[ad_2]