Klopp impressed with Arthur, and hints at Liverpool debut tonight
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Liverpool boss Klopp has given insights at giving new signing Arthur Melo his debut for the Reds’ Champions League opener at Napoli.
The Reds’ travel to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to face Napoli in the Champions League opener tonight. The Reds have been drawn in Group A and will face Napoli, Ajax and Rangers in the group stage.
Wednesday’s meeting with Napoli will be the seventh official meeting between the two sides. Moreover, under Klopp, both clubs are meeting for the fifth time.
Liverpool are currently in the midst of an injury crisis, moreover, injuries in the midfield have dominated the headlines. With two wins from the opening six games, the Reds have had a rocky start so far, thanks to injury setbacks.
The midfield crisis led to the club signing Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus on deadline day. Furthermore, Klopp admits bringing a new signing will boost his options in the middle of the park.
Liverpool boss Klopp makes debut decision for Arthur Melo
Klopp & Co would like to leave aside their below-par domestic form and push for a successful European champaign starting tonight.
Liverpool manager Klopp confirmed Arthur could make his debut against Napoli on Wednesday night.
Klopp speaking at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, says:
Now Arthur needs just football now and training especially, that’s how it is. He wasn’t in team training for a while at Juve and so he needs proper team training and that’s what we’re doing.
Can he play minutes? Yes. Should he play a full game? No. He needs to get used to the intensity in each competition, it is not like a Champions League game means you have to work less than the Premier League, not at all, especially not here [at Napoli].
He’s doing well, he’s really giving his all in training and we have to be careful with him as well. We’ll see if we can use him.
The Liverpool manager is impressed with Arthur’s commitment and hard work in the training. However, the German stressed that the 26-year-old will not likely be starting against Napoli, as he needs to get up to speed. The European nights are back.
