FABINHO TO MAKE HIS CARA-BOW
Ross Barkley to score first GIANFRANCO ZOLA has told Eden Hazard he can do better – even if the Belgian has been voted into this year’s World XI.
The Chelsea legend, now assistant manager to Maurizio Sarri, believes World Cup star FABINHO is set for his first Liverpool start tonight - but Kop boss Jurgen Klopp said it could take up to six months for him to find his feet.
The Brazilian star, who arrived at Anfield in a £40million summer deal from Monaco, has played just a few minutes for the Reds this season, coming on as a sub in the Champions League win over Paris Saintgermain last week.
The 24-year-old, the club’s fourth-most-expensive signing, is expected to line up against Chelsea in tonight’s Carabao Cup tie at Anfield with Klopp asking fans to show patience.
“You need half a year to make the next step,” Klopp said. “We are not changing these players. We are not changing their football personality. But they always need time. They were all used to other teams.”
There have been rumours that Fabinho has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, with Klopp so far reluctant to give him Hazard (left), who has scored five times in the Blues’ opening six league games, can improve.
Zola, whose team face Liverpool at Anfield tonight, said: “Eden has done magnificently in the World Cup. He’s a player who is getting a run-out. Indeed his only start this season was for his country against the USA earlier this month.
But he got a taste of the Anfield atmosphere a week ago, taking to the pitch shortly before compatriot Roberto Firmino scored a dramatic winner.
Klopp said he has no concerns about new signing Fabinho but explained he still has to understand the finer details of his highpressing system.
“It is about possession. It is about spaces, defensively closing them, offensively using them. It is just a football team with a specific way of playing,” Klopp added.
“I’ll give you an example. There was a very famous one here last season: Phil Coutinho – half to the left, then inside and boom! Nice shot! But for this to be really dangerous you need someone else making the run on better and better. But I don’t think he has reached his full potential. He can still use his skills in a better way.
“I truly believe this. This year, the team, and Maurizio in particular, will help him reach his full potential. I don’t want it to the outside. Things like this you need to explain.“
Fabinho is not the only player likely to be given his first start of the season. Simon Mignolet, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Lovren – who has recovered from a pelvic injury picked up at the World Cup – are also likely to come in.
Naby Keita, Liverpool’s £53m Guinea international midfielder, should also come in after being relegated to the bench for the last two matches, but the manager has warned his players that there will be no let-up tonight even if there are changes.
In fact Klopp issued a blunt warning that any player taking his foot off the gas in the Carabao Cup will pay a heavy price.
“If I see one player with the feeling ‘oh, it’s only the League Cup’ then he could have a real problem,” the German said. “But there will be no player like this. I don’t think so and the players don’t think so.
“If we make changes then it’s an opportunity for other players. They have to prove themselves constantly.” look like we are not happy with him. We are very happy.
“As you play, you get more experience at a high level for a long time, and you get better and learn how to use your abilities in a more efficient way.
“That’s what I mean.”