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Jürgen Klopp believes that Fabinho’s confidence and stature at the heart of Liverpool’s defense will continue to grow after the Brazilian produced a commanding display in the Champions League win at Ajax.
Fabinho made a decisive contribution to the victory with his spectacular goal clearance that prevented Dusan Tadic from equalizing Nicolás Tagliafico’s own goal. The midfielder was once again forced into central defense by the injuries of Virgil van Dijk and Joël Matip and, with the Liverpool vice captain facing months on the sidelines with an ACL injury, Klopp was encouraged by Fabinho’s fledgling partnership. with Joe Gomez.
“Was there pressure on that situation tonight? Yes, ”Klopp said of his central defensive problems. “It’s clear to both of us in the back, since it was their first game together, I think. Fabinho can play the position, he actually likes to play. If I asked him to play right back, I don’t think he would enjoy it that much. In our situation we have to keep them fit. But I am very happy for tonight. It sure gave him confidence.
“It was good, but even Fabinho can play better. Joe and Fabinho need to get used to each other, they need to get used to the verbal demands of the position and help the midfield. It was a good performance, but there is a lot to improve, and that is good. It was absolutely good tonight. “
Klopp admitted Liverpool needed “a bit of luck” to keep a clean sheet as Fabinho and Davy Klaassen, the former Everton midfielder, hit a post in the second half. “We didn’t hang the clean sheet too high because there were two situations where we were far from perfect,” he said.
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané were all substituted in the hour, but the Liverpool manager insisted it was not to rest them for Saturday’s game against Sheffield United, or due to injury. Mané had an ice pack on his knee after being removed.
Klopp said: “You could see it was an intense game and if you win the ball you have a great opportunity with offensive transitions. It was tough for the top three, so I was happy that we could make that change and make five changes tonight. Sadio has had a dead leg for a few days. It’s still painful but it’s not a problem and when he doesn’t play he puts ice on it ”.
