Klopp explains defensive changes for clash with City

Jürgen Klopp has explained the thinking behind making two changes to his back four for today's Premier League meeting with Manchester City.

As well as the return of Simon Mignolet in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ragnar Klavan replace Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren respectively in the Liverpool defence.

“Dejan played last Saturday for 27 minutes. Last Sunday, the rest of the game. Last Tuesday, 90 minutes in a quite difficult game against Turkey,” said Klopp.

“He came back not injured, otherwise he wouldn’t be on the bench, but he felt the intensity a little bit. Raggy didn’t play the second game [for Estonia] and did outstandingly good against Crystal Palace. That’s why we have the players.

“With Joe it is pretty much the same; he played two games for England U21s and came back feeling the intensity a little bit. Trent had kind of fresh legs after only one game – so that’s an easy decision.”

New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is among the substitutes at Etihad Stadium – and is ready to feature in the game if needed, Klopp confirmed.

“That’s why he’s here,” added the manager.

“I don’t expect that he knows everything about our game. We didn’t speak too much about it so far. Yesterday we had a very important session about tactical things. It’s difficult for a new player; we have a lot of words that we use all the time and for sure you’ll find that it’s our language. He’s here to help us.”