Former Liverpool defender express his concern about Jurgen Klopp changes against Chelsea

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Former Liverpool defender express his concern about Jurgen Klopp changes against Chelsea

Stephen Oladehinde 21:36 - 04.04.2023

Liverpool faces Chelsea in a mouthwatering fixture as they hope to bounce back from the horrific performance that led to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday.

Seven changes were made by the German tactician from the team that fell to Manchester City 4-1, and the former Liverpool defender has expressed doubts about Jurgen Klopp's decision to make so many changes to the starting lineup against Chelsea.

According to Jamie Carragher, the high-profile players' exclusion from the match has raised questions, which is a source of worry for the team.

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Carragher concern about Klopp's changes

Klopp made several changes for the crucial game at Chelsea due to their dismal run. With consecutive losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City coming into the game against the Blues, Liverpool's season has been especially uneven.

Speaking before kick-off, Carragher told Sky Sports: "No it’s more than you do expect and what Jurgen Klopp’s done since he came in is there’s certain players who just play every game, you know, and those players, some of them aren’t playing tonight.

"You look at the back four, Virgil van Dijk, that’s down to illness we’re told but Trent Alexander-Arnold you’re always expecting to be on that team sheet. Mo Salah being another one, Andy Robertson being another one.

"He hasn't just changed the team, he’s changed mainstays really who are there week-in week-out - not just this season but for years gone by."

Klopps changes was triggered by Saturday loss

Carragher felt that the 4-1 thrashing by City on Saturday, as well as the upcoming home game against league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, may have been the driving force behind Klopp's calls.

"Is that to do with the performance against Manchester City? Is it to do with the fact that Liverpool have three tough games in a week? It’s a bit of both.

"There’s no doubt that what happened at the Etihad on Saturday is certainly in the back of his mind and he had to make changes on the back of that performance."

It is yet to be seen if Salah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson and some other excluded players will be available for the match against Arsenal, but it would be a big move on Klopp's part to leave them off the starting lineup for a second straight contest.

Meanwhile, Julan Nagelsmann’s representatives have confirmed talks with Chelsea as the German manager continues to be the favourite to succeed former Blues manager Graham Potter.

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