Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp not completely happy as four players picked out

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp lavished praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate following the club’s 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise, but there were certain aspects of the game that concerned the German. It’s now two wins from two group games for Liverpool after Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota scored to give Klopp’s side all three points against the Belgian side.

Gravenberch was all smiles at the final whistle as he spoke about his first goal for the club and Klopp praised the Dutchman for how well he’s settled into life on Merseyside. He said: “It’s really obvious how much of a talent he is. He is enjoying the situation and getting there step by step. It’s really good to see.

“Fits well with the age-group of the majority of the squad. Very good, goes in right direction. Very helpful.” Alexander-Arnold being back and available from the start was good news for Klopp as well as a solid display from Konate as he too looks to build up his match fitness.

But it was Quansah who Klopp reserved special praise for after the game, adding: “Physical battles are part of development. If you’re aren’t ready for that, it’s difficult to play. It was not a difficult decision for us to start him tonight. Still young. He will get minutes. It’s nice to see. A joy to watch his development.” However, the Liverpool boss wasn’t overly pleased as he took aim at his side for not being clinical enough in front of goal.

“I liked the start and the result. And the goals and chances we created. I didn’t like that we lost rhythm after 20-25 minutes,” he added. “It’s very difficult to keep the rhythm in a game like this but it is very important. We should have scored more.”

Liverpool are strong favourites to win their Europa League group with Toulouse set to be their closest challengers. But the Ligue 1 side are competing in the Europa League for the first time since 2010 after surprisingly winning the Coupe de France last season.

Klopp will be hoping his side can get their place in the knockout round booked sooner rather than later as Liverpool will need their best players well rested for matches against Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in November and December. Liverpool’s main focus will now turn to this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brighton.

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The Reds are still reeling from the dramatic defeat to Tottenham last week, ending their unbeaten run. Klopp will have to cope without Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones due to suspension while Cody Gakpo is unavailable through injury.

Jones’ suspension may be a chance for Klopp to use his three main midfield signings from the summer transfer window. Gravenberch has been limited to starts in the cup competitions so far with three cameo appearances in the Premier League.

But Jones’ absence means Klopp will have to make changes and the Gravenberch’s latest display will surely put him in line to start alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The midfield trio have only been on the field together for a handful of minutes so far in the 3-1 win over West Ham.

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