Klopp praises “important” Lucas ahead of Swansea clash
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Darragh Bermingham
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Lucas Leiva after recent performances mean the holding midfielder is one of the first names on the Reds’ team sheet.
The German, however, thinks Lucas’ job is far more complex than that of a holding midfielder.
"It's one of the most important: The holding midfielder,” said Klopp. “We should change this name, because that's not all his job.
"It's not a 6, it's not an 8, it's somewhere in between. Usually we don't play with one player [at the base]."
The Brazilian midfielder appeared to be heading for the exit before Klopp’s arrival. Under Rodgers, Lucas didn’t make it onto the 18 man squad for the start of the season. Since Klopp took the reigns, Lucas has become a regular in the starting eleven, proving himself as a capable passer as well as a tough tackler in the heart of midfield, something which Rodgers seemed to doubt.
"It's good for both of us that I'm here. He is the type of player I like,” said Klopp. “Really good personality."
However, the German will have to do without his Brazilian enforcer against Swansea on Sunday. The Brazilian picked up a fifth yellow card of the season in the Reds’ thrilling win over Man City and is suspended for this weekend’s clash. Instead, Joe Allen will step in, according to Klopp who praised the Welshman for his performance against Bordeaux on Thursday night.
“He was very good but we took him off after 60 minutes with Sunday in mind.”
Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson could make his return on Sunday. The English midfielder has been sidelined since he suffered a fractured foot in training but Klopp said he is knocking on the door.
"He wants to play but we have to wait. We'll see every day how he adapts to the intensity of the previous day."
"I'm waiting for him. For a player like him, with his history with injury, he's always on the door. I like this.
"Henderson is always (knocking) on the door, wanting to play. But he needs to be perfect physically. When in that shape we can use him.”
The former Borussia Dortmund boss also admitted he is unsure whether Benteke can play two games in three days and whether Sturridge’s latest injury will rule him out of Sunday’s game.
“Does Daniel have a chance for Sunday? I don’t know. But five weeks in a row without playing means he needs matches"