Klopp explains decision to give Liverpool players two days off amid poor form

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shed light on his surprising decision to give his players two days off despite their humiliating defeat at relegation strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Reds were handed a 3-0 hammering by Julen Lopetegui’s resurgent Wolves, who have now climbed out of the relegation places into 15th place, two points above the drop zone.

Liverpool remain as close to the relegation zone as they are to the Champions League places, sitting in 10th position, but eyebrows were raised when Klopp asked his players to take two days off in the aftermath of the defeat.

Speaking to reporters (via Football Daily) ahead of his side’s crunch Merseyside derby with Everton, Klopp explained his decision.

“It’s a very long time between Saturday and Monday,” Klopp said. “But of course, I could have said Sunday training, and from Monday, we go further. 

“But that wouldn’t have been helpful at all. It would have been bad, it would have caused injuries, it would have caused a lot of problems, and to be honest, on Sunday, after we spoke about everything, I thought 100 percent it makes sense if we don’t see each other for two days.”

Liverpool head into the Merseyside derby having won just one of their last five Premier League games. 

They have won just one of their last seven games across all competitions and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion at the fourth round stage before their humbling at Wolves.

The Reds need a win, but it would be far-fetched to say their next fixture would be relatively easier as they welcome an Everton side that pulled off an astonishing victory over league leaders Arsenal last time out.

New Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who is in line for a huge bonus should his side avoid relegation, has made an immediate impact at the club after replacing Frank Lampard, and the victory over the Gunners sent shock waves across the division.

Liverpool and Everton played out a thrilling goalless draw at Goodison Park in the reverse fixture.

Despite the current form of both sides, it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top when they lock horns at Anfield.