'Ox deserved it' - Klopp explains line-up for Maribor match
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain '100 per cent' deserved the chance to start against Maribor at Anfield, explained Jürgen Klopp.
The Liverpool No.21 makes his second start for the club in the Champions League Group E meeting with the Slovenian champions.
“The team selection for tonight was [based on] that we need to have a team which is ready for a very intense start,” said Klopp.
“That’s what we want to have and what we need – a lively performance, speed, good in small spaces, good offers for runs in behind.
“[It’s] a team which played together already. The only really new player is Ox, who is in. He deserved it 100 per cent and can help us tonight hopefully. That’s all.”
Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren were not available for selection, however, due to respective adductor and thigh injuries. “They are not fit,” confirmed the manager.