Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Jurgen Klopp following Liverpool’s shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Wolves.

Klopp has come in for criticism after he made wholesale changes for the fourth round clash against the Championship club and saw his side suffer a humiliating 2-1 home defeat.

Gary Lineker has accused the German of showing a lack of respect for the FA Cup by fielding a second-string XI but Rodgers, his predecessor at Anfield, has backed his decision to give young players a chance in the competition.

“I look at Jurgen Klopp and of course Wolves played very well, but there is a contradiction there,” said the Celtic boss, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“People want young players to play and when they do play, there is an issue. It is never nice when you lose a game but Jurgen has went and played four or five British players and given them a chance.

“He is hoping they can go and win a game at Anfield against a Championship team with experienced players around them. It never worked out like that because Wolves played very well but the narrative changes for a manager every single day. You are either very good or very bad – you are never just a good manager who has maybe given players an opportunity and a chance.

“Ultimately, you are judged on games you win and lose, but sometimes in the modern day it is very difficult as a manager.”

Klopp isn’t the only manager under the spotlight for his FA Cup team selection.

Garry Monk has also been criticised in the wake of Leeds’ shock defeat to non-league Sutton, having made ten changes to his side.

But Rodgers feels Monk should not be faulted for making Championship promotion his priority.

“I understand exactly what Garry did,” said the Northern Irishman.

“Garry is playing a team he thinks can win the game but he also has to be mindful that this is maybe of one of the best opportunities that Leeds have of getting back to the Premier League. For such a big club, to get back to the Premier League is vital for them.

“He has got players that have played a lot of games this season, the game is on an astroturf pitch, so if he goes into the game with his full squad and two or three of them pick up injuries then that can be a huge difference in terms of him having a chance to get in the Premier League and, ultimately, that is where they want to be.”