Jurgen Klopp backs Liverpool squad rotation despite derby frustration
Tuesday 12 December 2017 16:05, UK
Jurgen Klopp has backed his squad rotation policy at Liverpool this season, confirming he would have done the same last year given the same resources.
Klopp has made 59 changes to his starting line-up in the Premier League this season - 20 more than any other side - and left Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino on the bench for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Everton.
The Liverpool boss' approach has come under scrutiny in recent weeks with results not going the Reds' way, but he maintains it is a tactic he will continue throughout the busy festive period.
"If we would have had the squad last year, we would have done it last year," Klopp said speaking before Wednesday's game with West Brom.
"When you get injuries early November like we had last year then you cannot rotate in December because the players aren't there. Then you suffer in January - that's how it is.
"Then the players coming back in January, who got injured in November, are not in the same shape. That's the only thing.
"For all these games I really think if you have the quality in the squad what we have then you have to use it.
"You cannot play the same 11 players all of the time until four of them are injured and then you hope that the other four who come in are of quality but have no rhythm - will perform for you."
Klopp confirmed midfielder Adam Lallana is back in full training after sustaining a thigh injury in pre-season against Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old has made just one appearance for the Reds this season, against Chelsea last month, but is back to a complete training programme though Klopp insists he will be given time to rebuild.
"Adam is back in training, completely normal but he needs to build up again and that's how it is," said Klopp.
"We have to see what we do with him because we need him for the next weeks 100 per cent. We should not need him for tomorrow but then step-by-step we need to see how we can bring him in match fitness and shape."
One player with different fitness concerns is defender Alberto Moreno who was forced off in Liverpool's Champions League game against Spartak Moscow last month.
The Spaniard, who has made 20 appearances for the club this campaign, could face "up to six weeks" on the sidelines and will miss Wednesday's game with West Brom.
Klopp added: "[Moreno] is not ready for sure of course, no chance. We made further assessments, we sent him to different doctors to know a little bit more but it's still possible it's not that long but also that it's possibly up to six weeks, it's really not decided so far so we'll have to take a look."
