Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reveals why Andy Robertson didn’t feature against Aston Villa
While speaking in a post-match press conference as quoted by Football.London, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp clarified speculations on the fitness of Andy Robertson ahead of the FA Cup final later this weekend.
The Scottish skipper was substituted early against Tottenham Hotspur and didn’t feature in Liverpool’s clash against Aston Villa yesterday. His snub in the match attracted speculation regarding his fitness and whether he would be fit to feature against Chelsea in the coming FA Cup final.
Klopp ruled out the possibility of any injury concerns involving Robertson and suggested that he rested the full-back and wanted to include another striker in the squad for tactical purposes.
“Robbo was not in the squad today because I wanted to give him just a rest at home and bring another striker into the squad if we needed, that’s it.”
Good news for Liverpool?
Robertson has been world-class in the last few seasons, and his output in this campaign has been on par with his performances in seasons gone by. It is fair to argue that the left-back is the best player in his position in Europe today.
The 28-year-old has contributed two goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, and his partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a crucial aspect of Klopp’s tactics at Anfield.
Liverpool would be fighting for their second title this season when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Robertson is a shoo-in for the Liverpool first XI and it comes as no surprise that Klopp wants his star man to be at his best at Wembley.
The ability to put out high-quality crosses by going forward in attacking areas makes Robertson a unique asset for Liverpool. The 28-year-old full-back’s delivery has been advantageous so far for the forward contingent of Liverpool, and they would be expecting them in the final against Chelsea.
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Hence it is a massive advantage for the team that Robertson’s snub is not an issue. He will not only be back for the final, but he wwill have more energy and conviction in him due to the rest he has got.
