Klopp to play ‘best’ Liverpool squad in EFL cup

After Sunday’s disappointing draw against Plymouth in the FA Cup, Jurgen Klopp plans to play his best squad against Southampton in EFL Cup.

Speaking to the press ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup semifinal against Southampton, Jurgen Klopp pledged to play his best possible team.

The match against Plymouth on Sunday saw Liverpool play its youngest lineup in the club’s history.

With Klopp obviously prioritising the EFL semifinal over the FA Cup third round, hopefully the match on Wednesday is slightly more entertaining than Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

Klopp spoke pointedly about his potential lineup and the importance of the EFL Cup.

"“Wednesday will see the best team we can lineup.“If you ask for a rating in England the League Cup is third but while you are still in it it is the most important cup.“If you win and it is wonderful with the youngest line-up ever. After the game it is the easiest job for you to ask ‘Why did you make all these changes?’“The question I asked this morning in the dressing room was ‘Could we have done better? 100 per cent yes with this lineup.“I don’t expect perfection but I have high expectations because I see them every day in training and I was convinced we could play really well.”“Everyone who is ready and is good enough, that is how it is always.”"

Klopp explained the decision behind his selections yesterday.

"“We made the changes yesterday for different reasons and I actually think there were not many alternatives at this moment.”"

"“There have been a little bit too many games for players with the matches coming up: Clyne nearly played all the time, Adam played always when he was fit but was not fit all the time, same with Gini.“Both of these games were very important and I make no difference in judging these games.“I have absolutely no problem with criticism but it was not about underestimating an opponent.“It is not about young, old, whatever. It is about which line-up made the most sense because of the injury situations of the players and the timing – when do we play who?“Now we have 18, 19 or 20 players ready for the game – a few of them played yesterday, we have to see how they react and how the other players are who were not involved.”"

With a massive fixture against Manchester United on Saturday, Klopp has to balance out his selections and keep his team both well-rested and competitive.

"“It is not about trying the same again in order to be able to bring in someone against Manchester United.“Obviously it is a special game and you need to be ready for it and we will be ready but first we have to play Southampton.”"

More from Liverpool FC News

• Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
• Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
• How are the Reds fairing on international duty?
• 4 Things we want to see after the international break
• Liverpool missed the boat not investing in a defender

This is a season-defining week for Liverpool with an EFL Cup semifinal and a match with Manchester United in a matter of days.

I don’t blame Klopp for playing the youngsters against Plymouth. Looking at the fixture list, it was a necessary move, despite the draw actually adding another match onto the fixture list.

Liverpool have the opportunity to win a trophy. This should be the priority no matter what the competition.

Winning the EFL Cup would be a great victory for Liverpool and it will be fascinating to see a strong, fit squad go up against Southampton.