Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained the tactical reason behind his decision to leave Fabinho out of his starting line-up against Tottenham last weekend.
The midfielder has made an immediate impact at Anfield following his summer switch from Monaco, proving a vital cog in Klopp’s system.
His versatility has been key for the German boss, with the Brazil international a midfielder by trade but he’s also just as reliable in defence.
However, Klopp opted to start the 25-year-old on the bench against their Premier League rivals, a decision that raised a few eyebrows.
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Fabinho ultimately played a part in the game, coming on as a late second-half substitute to help his side to a crucial 2-1 win - but his boss sticks by his decision.
Klopp revealed: “Fab couldn't train one day a little bit, not long enough to really know how he reacts after the international break.
“Not playing (for Brazil) but flying a lot and training a lot. If you are not playing then you train more than the other players. Ask Ali (Alisson Becker) or Bobby (Firmino) how much Fab trained. It was clear that he would come on.
“On the other side, Henderson trained outstandingly well, Milner as well. Gini (Wijnaldum) was not involved as much in training but I've known him longer and I expected him to do well.
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“This was the situation. It's also about who is used to who in the positioning and the opponent. It wasn't 100% clear what system Tottenham would play before the game.
“We chose a formation that we thought would enable us to adapt pretty quick to it. We didn't but that wasn't only because of the midfield.”
Fabinho is expected to return to the starting line-up when title-chasing Liverpool , who are one point behind leaders Manchester City , travel to Southampton on Friday night.
