2 years ago
565 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he thought midfielder Curtis Jones did ‘really well’ against Nottingham Forest yesterday.
A goal from former Liverpool player Taiwo Awoniyi decided the tie that lifted Forest off the bottom of the table.
It was another blow for Liverpool in their bid to once again challenge for the Premier League title, and they find themselves 11 points behind Arsenal.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Klopp once again had to deal with a number of injuries, and yesterday he lost Thiago Alcantara to an ear infection.
It meant that Curtis Jones was rushed into action for his first competitive start since May.
However, Klopp thought Jones did ‘really well’ despite the testing circumstances he was introduced in.
Jones did really well – Klopp
Speaking after the match, Klopp said: “I thought Curtis (Jones) did really well but is not used to the position.
“He can play that definitely but he was not even in my thoughts to start, so that all happened last night. But he did really well.”
Jurgen Klopp admitted before the match that he could use Jones as a replacement for the injured Diogo Jota.
However, Jones had to play a deeper role alongside Fabinho which isn’t his natural position.
Jones said after the match that he was comfortable in the ‘more disciplined role’ before moving further up the pitch in the second half.
“It’s a change (of position), but I felt good, I was comfortable,” Jones said.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Yeah, it’s different, I’m used to having a one and a two (in midfield).
“I wouldn’t say it was more defensive, but it was a more disciplined role I would say.
“I enjoyed it. Then I moved up to the left of a four (second half) and felt good.”
Jones takes some pressure off Liverpool injury headache
A report from Goal in the summer suggested Liverpool have a lot of faith in Jones’ ability.
In fact, it was one of the reasons they didn’t make a big signing in midfield.
However, his injury in August put Klopp’s side under even more pressure as the squad became thinner and thinner.
Klopp will be really happy with how well Jones played yesterday, and now has another option available in several positions.
The overall performance from his side is a much bigger concern as the team in the top four continue to pull away.
The post ‘He did really well’: Jurgen Klopp says 21-year-old Liverpool man played brilliantly out of position yesterday appeared first on The Boot Room.
