Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp said the club’s last member, Thiago Alcántara, had a wonderful game on Sunday but needed “defensively”.
Alcántara, who recently moved from Bayern Munich to Liverpool, made his Premier League debut during the Reds’ London holiday on Sunday. .
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Klopp spoke about Alcántara’s first outing as a Liverpool player. Although the coach enjoyed the midfield game, he believes Alcántara will take some time to settle down and his system.
Asked about Alcántara’s debut, Klopp said: “It’s the most productive time, I’d say. He played for Spain, trained with Munich, so that’s not a problem. But, of course, he’s not used to our stuff, that’s for sure. They played in another system. You have to get used to your teammates. But, when they were a guy on the ground, it became a very productive game for him. “
Liverpool captain Jordan Hfinisherson, who started Chelsea’s match, has yet to fully recover from an injury he suffered towards the end of last season. During halftime break, Hfinisherson complained about a “tight thigh” and, as a result, Liverpool to give Alcantara his debut. At halftime, the score was 0-0 and Liverpool hoped that Alcantara’s inclusion could have an impact.
“And Hendo felt a little bit of an Array . . . and we made the decision to bring him in. I enjoyed the game. Defensively, it was complicated for him, but offensively, with the ball, it’s him, he needs to pass the ball,” Klopp added in the Sky Sports interview.
Alcántara’s presence on the pitch nevertheless paid off, as he had a role to play in Mané’s first goal at Liverpool, was Alcántara, who had passed the ball to Roberto Firmino, who then made a double with Mane before the Senegalese striker put a hard headbutt against Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Alcántara, who arrived at half-time, made more passes (75) than any Chelsea player controlled throughout the match. According to football statistician Opta Joe, Thiago’s 75 passes were the most successful through a player who played a maximum of forty-five minutes.
Thomas Muller and Thiago Alcantara celebrate in the first part of Bayern Munich’s clash with Porto Photo: Reuters
Klopp’s next Premier League match in Liverpool is at home on Monday when Anfield’s team receives Community Shield winner Arsenal.