Klopp defends rotation after home draws

Dec 15, 2017 - 3:12 PM Manager Jurgen Klopp says squad rotation is not to blame for Liverpool drawing both of their past two Premier League fixtures.

Liverpool went into last Sunday's Merseyside derby on the back of five wins from their previous six league games but were held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield by Everton and then to a goalless stalemate at home against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

Klopp made six changes for the Everton match from their 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champions League and then another six changes for the visit of West Brom.

"Nine days ago we were flying and now I look in your eyes and we have real problems," Klopp said.

"We had a very important game against Moscow. All the other (English) teams (in the Champions League) were already through in their group and could make changes, but we couldn't do that. It's not about respecting teams less; it's all about us.

"Everton was a good game. We played really well. It was one of the best derbies I saw (Liverpool play), with the wrong result.

"Against West Brom we didn't deserve luck. It was not a good performance. That's it. We didn't have a lot of not-good games in the last few weeks. I don't think it had anything to do with rotation."

The draws against Everton and West Brom saw Liverpool slip from fourth in the Premier League to fifth, 18 points behind leaders Manchester City, ahead of Sunday's trip to face Bournemouth.

Klopp confirmed that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet would return in place of Loris Karius.

Defenders Joel Matip, Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne are all unavailable while a late decision will be made on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge, who has a tight hamstring.

England midfielder Adam Lallana, who has made only one appearance this season due to a thigh injury, is set to be named in the squad.

Source: AAP