Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will give young players more chances
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he will change the club’s policy of loaning out their best youth team players. Klopp had to recall a few players from their loan spells to deal with the club’s injury crisis and had to depend on his youngsters to save them blushes in the FA Cup draw against Exeter City last night. The German has now called out for a move to keep youngsters as a part of the first team setup.
Liverpool currently have 11 players out on loan after they recalled Shey Ojo, Ryan Kent and Tiago Ilori from their loan spells. The list includes first team squad players like Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic and academy players like Sergi Canos, Lawrence Vigouroux and Jordan Williams.
However, Klopp has admitted that he is not a big fan of the scenario and that he wants the youngsters to stay involved with the club as part of the U-21 squads.
“It is important we take our own players back like with Kent, Ojo and Tiago,” he said. “These are our players and we have a situation (with the injuries).
“In my opinion the best talents should be at their own club so they can play together for the under-21s and develop as a team, so you always have them around you.”
“That’s how I think it should be. Now we take them back and it’s a big chance for the boys. Offensive wingers and a centre-half are interesting for us in this moment. The loan system is something we need to look at in the summer – the best talents should be in their club so they can develop,” he added.
Klopp confirms his plans to sign a defender in January
Liverpool have been plagued with injuries this season and Klopp admits that he is looking to sign a new defender in January to cope with the schedule. Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure are all sidelined due to injury leaving Klopp with little options at the back.
“The truth is of course we have to react to the situation,” he said. “It is difficult to find quality players. They have to be in a difficult situation in their actual club. We have to try to find the perfect solution. It’s not too easy. But we have our eyes open in the market.”
Liverpool managed to force a replay out of their FA Cup tie against Exeter City last night with the help of goals from youngsters Jerome Sinclair and Brad Smith. The Reds take on league leaders Arsenal in their next Premier League fixture.