Klopp rotation policy speaks volumes about squad

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s rotation policy against Leicester City spoke volumes about what he thinks of the playing squad.

The Reds had just four days to prepare for a game that was never going to be easy, after a fixture that left Klopp unhappy and almost promising to swing the axe.

But in the end, the German made just one change to his team. Despite a gaggle of international footballers desperate to done the red and take to the pitch, Klopp made just one change.

And the man to miss out – Naby Keita – had been one of the best players so far. It was certainly an illuminating decision.

It means that there has now been no room for players like Nathaniel Clyne or Adam Lallana for four matches in a row. Two seasons ago, that would have been unthinkable. It also means that Klopp doesn’t quite trust the current deputies, despite the aforementioned remarks.

The Foxes game would have been a near-perfect chance to play Clyne or even Alberto Moreno. With Leicester robbed of their most potent weapon, Jamie Vardy, they asked a lot less questions than usual and would have provided the two full-backs with an ideal chance to build up match fitness and shake off some rust.

James Milner starting again was certainly a surprise, but the former Manchester City man is now clearly a favourite of Klopp and you can see why. But despite that there surely could have been space to give Lallana another start at the expense of Milner or Gini Wijnaldum.

Milner played his 100th Premier League game for Liverpool on Saturday and has stormed out of nowhere to become one of the most important players for the gaffer this campaign. The 32-year-old is a real evergreen and will be fresh for the next clash as he’s retired from international duty.

Further up the field and there is clearly no room for Xherdan Shaqiri or Daniel Sturridge in Klopp’s first XI. If they can’t make the side for Leicester, Shaqiri and Sturridge have little chance of doing so against Tottenham Hotspur in 12 days time.

This transfer window has been excellent for Liverpool, who have certainly strengthened their whole team. But clearly Klopp doesn’t think it’s been strengthened that much, or fans would have seen a greater variety of faces by now.