Klopp explains the role of a Liverpool full-back

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp has explained the importance behind the role of a full-back in his Liverpool side.

Klopp impressed as a pundit on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports, discussing a range of subjects from his favourite Premier League player to his own playing career.

The German was also asked to discuss the importance of his Liverpool side’s full-backs, who have played a key role in the club’s promising start.

Nathaniel Clyne has reprised his role at right-back, but James Milner has impressed as a makeshift left-back.

“This kind of full-back now is more like a midfield player,” he explained. “They play in half-spaces, they play really high. They are wingers sometimes, sometimes centre midfielders.

“The rule is: be an option in terms of getting a pass or be protection.

“If you are an option you can be high or you can be in the half space.

“Full-back is a wonderful position because you are always involved. I remember speaking to Milly the first time about possibly playing left-back and said: ‘what do you think?’

“He said: ‘but I won’t get the ball’. I said: ‘forget this, you will get the ball much more often than you can imagine’.

“They have done well until now but I don’t like standing here too much seeing those numbers and saying: ‘oh brilliant.’

“It’s as good as it should be. We are a good football side. But we have to improve in a lot of things. Now Swansea is the next challenge.

“Everyone feels good but nothing has really happened yet.

“On good days football is nice and a simple game, on other days you can’t find a solution and that makes it so interesting.”