Klopp admits improving defender is not going to usurp reliable Liverpool star
Jurgen Klopp says Andy Robertson’s position is safe at Liverpool despite the improving form of Greece defender Kostas Tsimikas.
Tsimikas started the midweek Champions League win over Porto at Anfield – his sixth start of the season. After starting the season at left-back, Tsimikas found himself on the bench soon after. But he started in the win over Arsenal and kept his place against Porto and performed admirably.
The 25-year-old has had to bide his time at Anfield and made just seven appearances last season de to the form of Andy Robertson.
The Scotland star though injured his hamstring on international duty earlier this month and missed the win over the Gunners. He returned on the bench on Wednesday and played the final 22 minutes of the win over Porto.
Now Klopp will have to choose between the pair when Liverpool face Southampton on Saturday. And it will be no surprise to see Robertson return at left-back with Klopp clearly pinning his colours to the mast of the former Hull star.
“I am really happy that Kostas showed up when he did, we’re seeing how good he is now. Robbo needed six months [to adapt], Kostas needed a year,” said Klopp.
“Tsimikas is pushing, but I don’t see it as pushing in this sense. People constantly forget how good Robbo is.
“Kostas is much better than he was. We have Owen Beck coming up too, a big prospect. But I don’t doubt Robbo at all.”
Like Tsimikas, Klopp says the Premier League is improving as a whole. And believes it is the strongest league he has managed in during his six years at Anfield.
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“The Premier League makes steps every year. It’s not about the top teams, the improvement of the league can be seen In positions below. Brighton, Villa, Arsenal, Wolves… It’s just the league is so strong, really tough and exciting.
“For sure the best league I’ve had here so far.”
The German coach also hailed Thiago after his wondergoal against Porto in midweek.
“We found solutions when he was out and we find them with him. We have an incredible choice of midfielders,” added Klopp.
“Thiago has incredible skill set, we give him rhythm but we don’t overdo it with the games coming up. That’s why we took him off on Wednesday. We do that with Ox.”
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