Klopp forced to make changes after draining FA Cup victory
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expects to have to make a number of changes for his side’s crucial Premier League trip to Southampton tonight.
The FA Cup winners are back in action on the south coast just three days after Saturday’s draining success over Chelsea on penalties at Wembley.
Key pair Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk were both forced off with injuries during the weekend showpiece and Andy Robertson, who withdrew with cramp, may not be risked.
Liverpool realistically need to win to retain any hope of pipping manchester city to the title but Klopp may be wary of the workload on certain players as he looks ahead to the Champions League final.
Asked yesterday whether the players had been assessed, Klopp said: “This process is not finished yet. We played 120 minutes only two days ago.
“The boys only arrived today and we have to make a lot of decisions. The 30 extra minutes made a big difference.
“When did Southampton have their last game? I think it was 10 [or] 12 days. [It’s] long. OK, they might lack a bit [of ] rhythm but if we make changes, we lose that advantage of having rhythm as well.
“They are completely fresh and this is this high energetic, well-organised team. That’s the challenge we face.
“Imagine we go there with 10 players, or eight players, who played 120 minutes. That makes no sense, so that’s why we have to make changes.
“I don’t know how many, we will see and I will talk to the players, but it’s tough.”
Defeat for the Reds would end their quadruple bid and see Manchester City confirmed as champions. Yet after City drew 2-2 at West Ham on Sunday, Liverpool have a chance to move back within one point ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend. Liverpool wrap up their campaign at home to Wolves with City hosting Aston Villa.
Klopp said: “What I can promise, definitely, is we will line up to try to win the game at Southampton. We have a job to do and we have to see who is able to help.
“I am really looking forward to the game tomorrow but is it a big chance? I wouldn’t say so because I don’t know when City last dropped points two games in a row.”