Jurgen Klopp says that Thiago Alcantara was desperate to stay on and complete Liverpool’s game against Manchester United last night.
Klopp withdrew the Spaniard with 10 minutes remaining on a brilliant evening for Liverpool at Anfield. Thiago was the best player on the pitch as The Reds moved top of the Premier League table with a 4-0 win.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS after the game, Klopp claimed that he liked Thiago’s desire to want to stay on the pitch. But the boss insisted that it was for Thiago’s own good to let him have a breather at the end.
“He’s an outstanding player,” said Klopp. “We have to make sure that he can keep the rhythm that he can play as often as possible, that we really judge the situation right when we can use him and when not. They don’t like it, he wanted to stay on the pitch for (the last) five, six minutes. It’s crazy, but I like the desire behind that.”
As well as giving the 31-year-old a short rest, it also allowed Anfield to sound their appreciation for a wonderful individual performance. Thiago duly left to a standing ovation to give Naby Keita run out.
Finally feeling at home
Most of Thiago’s more eye-catching was done with the ball at his feet. However, his manager was keen to point out that his industry without the ball is what takes the number 6’s game to another level.
“The footballer he is is outstanding, but honestly, how he’s counter-pressing tonight, how he flew in these situations was mad!” beamed Klopp.
“That makes the player, that makes the full package. I don’t say there are a lot like him, some are, but on the other side being that animal in the moment when we lose the ball, I couldn’t respect it more.”
A monstrous performance that finally made Thiago feel like a proper Liverpool player.
Looking ahead to Everton
The big games don’t stop there for Liverpool. They welcome relegation-threatened Everton to Anfield on Sunday for a game which could have big ramifications at either end of the table.
The Toffees ended a 22 year stretch without a win at Anfield on their last visit. That was in-front of an empty stadium though, and Liverpool fans will be desperate to send their city rivals a reminder that they’re very much second best.
Liverpool have a midweek game against Villarreal next Wednesday to think about too. With Everton struggling but battling hard against the drop, Klopp will have to weigh up how much of his squad he can afford to rotate.
Confidence will by sky-high following a fantastic team display last night. If they can put in a similar shift on Sunday, there’ll be taking home the bragging rights for sure.
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