Jurgen Klopp has revealed why Trent Alexander-Arnold was benched for Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City.
Alexander-Arnold found himself demoted ahead of the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side to Anfield on the day that the full-back celebrated his 20th birthday.
The England international’s place was taken by Joe Gomez as Dejan Lovren returned to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence.
Until that point, Alexander-Arnold had been a near ever-present in Klopp’s first-choice starting line-up on the back of his breakthrough last season.
But the Liverpool manager has now explained why the home-grown talent was a surprise omission for the stalemate with the reigning Premier League champions.
“He is a fantastic boy, a fantastic player and smart enough to take a situation like that [against Man City],” said Klopp.
“I don’t think it’s a challenge but if a player isn’t ready for something like that, he will struggle.
“He started pretty much all the other games before that so it would be a silly decision to think about that too much. It was fine.
“It was his birthday so I thought, the night before the game, people would contact him so didn’t want to disturb these message exchanges.
“Joe can obviously play the position as well and, with respect, deserved to play. Dejan was back, Joel Matip was back.
“I think about the players I line-up first not what it would mean for Trent. It was nothing. He came back in a good shape and a good mood.”