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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp backed defender Nathaniel Phillips to “give it his all” in his pre-game interview ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brighton.
After facing Atalanta in the Italian Champions League on Wednesday night, the German made six changes on the south coast.
Joel Matip was left out of the squad, with James Pearce from Athletic claiming that Klopp was managing the defender’s minutes. Indeed, the central -Who doesn’t have the best injury record- has played twice this week.
As such, Phillips only had his second appearance of the season.
Klopp said BT sport: “” When we had the press conference yesterday, I didn’t have any medical meetings. After the medical meeting I learned more and that is why we have the alignment that we have ”.
“Nat did very well against West Ham, he’s a super kid. I don’t like to constantly change the last line but on the other hand, that these guys get a chance to play these games is really cool.
“I am full of faith in trusting him and he will give it his all, 100 percent.”
Meanwhile, Takumi Minamino got off to an unusual start in midfield. The Japan international has struggled for minutes this season but earned a start on the south coast.
Klopp revealed that Curtis Jones, who had been playing in midfield, was not fit enough to start.
“You need fresh legs. Curtis yesterday, the medical department told me they feel something here, something there.
“Curtis wanted to train but when you can’t train it is difficult to make a decision for today. But he’s in the bank, he’s obviously fine.
“So we had to find a new midfielder and it made sense to bring in Taki and change him.”
Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino started in front with Mo Salah, while Sadio Mane fell to the bench.
Jordan Henderson. He was back on the bench, however, with James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum playing a vital role in midfield.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Williams, Fabinho, Phillips, Robertson, Milner, Wijnaldum, Minamino, Jota, Salah, Firmino
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READ MORE: Klopp makes FSG aware of Wijnaldum sentiment, but resigned to losing ‘one of the best’
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