Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp backed defender Nathaniel Phillips to “give his absolute everything” in his pre-match interview before Saturday’s clash with Brighton.
After facing Atalanta in the Champions League in Italy on Wednesday night, the German made six changes on the south coast.
Joel Matip was left out of the squad, with James Pearce of The Athletic claiming Klopp was managing the defender’s minutes. Indeed, the centre-back – who does not have the best injury record – has played twice already this week.
As such, Phillips came in for only his second appearance of the season.
Klopp told BT Sport: “”When we had the press conference yesterday, I had no medical meeting. After the medical meeting I knew more and that’s why we have the lineup we have.”
“Nat did really well against West Ham, he is a super boy. I don’t like changing the last line constantly but, on the other side, that these boys have the opportunity to play these games is really cool.
“I’m full of faith in trusting him and he will give his absolute everything, 100 per cent.”
Meanwhile, there was a rare start for Takumi Minamino in midfield. The Japan international has struggled for minutes this term but earned a start on the south coast.
Klopp revealed that Curtis Jones – who had been playing in midfield – was not fit enough to start.
“You need fresh legs. Curtis yesterday, the medical department told me that he feels something here, something there.
“Curtis wanted to train but when you cannot train it’s difficult to make a decision for today. But he’s on the bench, he’s fine obviously.
“So we had to find a new midfielder and it made sense to bring in Taki and change it.”
Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino started up front with Mo Salah, as Sadio Mane dropped to the bench.
Jordan Henderson. though, was back among the substitutes, with James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum to play a vital part in midfield
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Williams, Fabinho, Phillips, Robertson, Milner, Wijnaldum, Minamino, Jota, Salah, Firmino
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