This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
December 9, 2019
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reassured midfielder Naby Keita about his lack of first-team opportunities, citing the team's good form and a series of tight matches as reasons for Keita's limited playing time.
Keita, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2018 for £52.75 million ($69 million), has been confined to a bit-part role due to injuries and the team's strong performance.
However, the 24-year-old gave a reminder of his ability with a goal and an assist on his first top-flight start of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win at Bournemouth.
"Naby had injuries, the team is in really good shape, so then do you change?" Klopp said, explaining the team's decision to bring on other players for set-pieces.
"We are not flying, it's not like we won all of the games 4-0, or 5-0, so we had to bring on a player who helps us with defending set-pieces," Klopp added.
Despite the team's strong performance, Klopp believes resting and rotating his players will be key to successfully navigating a hectic December schedule, during which they are competing in multiple competitions.
