This Tuesday sees Liverpool take on Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round. There can be no guessing what sort of team the boss will put out given his track record in the cups this season. Many have accused Jürgen Klopp of disrespect when it comes to the cups, this disrespect has its benefits.
So far this season The Reds have faced off against MK Dons, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Shrewsbury Town in the League and FA Cups.
The boss has for the most part opted for youthful lineups in these competitions.
These fixtures have provided showcases for Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, with some Liverpool fans now pleading for Jones to be given more game time.
However, not everybody is as convinced as Kopites. Some neutrals have accused the boss of disrespecting the competitions by not fielding full strength sides. In his defence he was in the Middle East when we took on Aston Villa.
This ‘disrespect’ has two clear benefits: experience for the youth and rest for the seniors.
The Champions League and Premier League are the clear priorities for The Reds this season, we need to keep our first team fully fit for these competitions.
Playing for Klopp is intense, you have to concentrate intensely for the full 90 and run your socks off when out of possession. When a rest is available, the first team should be given it.
With the standard so high at the minute, it is difficult to blood youth players, the cups provide these opportunities without having to risk them in the league.
The likes of Neco Williams and Curtis Jones are sure to be first team regulars in the not so distant future, the FA Cup has helped these players prove that they deserve a shot in the senior side.
The boss isn’t being disrespectful, he is showing foresight and prioritising. It’ll be worth it when The Reds lift the Premier League at the end of the season.
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