Klopp explains strange Liverpool team as Salah, Alexander-Arnold and co dropped against Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp explained why he chose to drop Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson for Liverpool's game against Chelsea.

Liverpool take on Chelsea in a crucial Premier League clash that could determine the Reds' top four fate. Should the Reds lose, their aspirations of qualifying for next year's Champions League would be all-but-over.

And Klopp has surprised several Liverpool fans by making half-a-dozen changes to the team the lost to Manchester City at the weekend.

While Virgil Van Dijk was ruled out through illness the likes of Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson were named among the substitutes.

Before the match the Liverpool boss laid bare why he has made such a bold team selection.

Klopp on the six changes vs Chelsea

Speaking to Sky Sports the Liverpool boss explained why he made six changes from the Reds' 4-1 loss to City.

Klopp said: "Virgil [Van Dijk] is unavailable. And all the rest is like - some get a rest, some need a rest and a lot of players get an opportunity to show up tonight.

"That's it. We needed fresh legs, that was clear. We need fresh minds as well and as I've said before, it hasn't worked out that well in the last few weeks.

"So that is a moment where you have to make changes obviously. I really hope we can show a reaction, even though it's not the same team obviously.

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"But still as a group we have to show a reaction."

When asked if he thought the addition of fresh legs and minds would give Liverpool fresh impetus, Klopp added: "Of course, that's why you do it - there is no other reason for it.

"But again, Saturday and Tuesday [games] is always something where you have to think about changes, and if you can do it we'll always do it.

"In this case now things are [also] combined a little bit because we are not overly happy so there must be an opportunity for other players to show what they can do."

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Chelsea

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.