Jurgen Klopp explained why he started Curtis Jones at right back for Liverpool’s League Cup match against Leicester.
Only 10 changes were made from Klopp’s team from Sunday’s 3-1 victory against West Ham, compared to the 11 expected.
Jones maintained his position from the previous weekend and replaced Virgil van Dijk as captain, albeit playing a different position.
Instead of playing in midfield with Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch, the 22-year-old chose to play right back, which still allowed him to saunter into center areas.
Klopp said afterward that he used the incentive of skipper to “sell” the concept of starting in defense, and it turned out to be a huge success.
Let me put it this way: I sold the right-back notion with the captaincy, he told reporters.
But by the time I told him he would play right-back, he was already giddy with anticipation.
“I have to admit, the manner he carried it out was really special. Wow. Super smart.”
Since neither Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, nor Stefan Bajcetic were healthy enough to start, the midfielder was forced to go to right back, according to Klopp.
Stefan couldn’t be played for very long; we need to be cautious about him. Joey wasn’t fine for today but will be fine for the weekend.its too early for Trent.
Curtis was always in my thoughts as a potential option there since he is incredibly football knowledgeable, therefore I need to find solutions.
That is the situation. He likes to be in possession of the ball, and the deeper you are, the more frequently you can do so.
“I have to admit, for the first time in a for him unfamiliar position, it was a terrific effort. He did a great job at it.
“I really enjoyed that. He’s in a terrific spot right now, so he could probably play any position.
But we’ll make an effort to use him in his natural position as frequently as we can.
