Klopp discusses makeshift defence in thumping win

Jurgen Klopp was pleased with how his Liverpool players adapted to an unfamiliar backline in their 5-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday.

The German manager had a number of issues at the back with Joe Gomez (virus) and Joel Matip (thigh injury) missing out, while Ragnar Klavan could only make the bench due to illness.

That led to Klopp deploying three centre-backs with midfielders Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum playing with Dejan Lovren at the back.

The changes worked and the Reds went on to win comfortably with goals from Can, Roberto Firmino (2), Philippe Coutinho and an own goal from Lewis Dunk.

“Did I enjoy it? Not really, not all the time,” Klopp said. “At the beginning we needed to be patient with Brighton’s style. We needed to get used to it.

“We scored two fantastic goals. It was good to watch. We scored a third which is a good idea in a game like this. A few weeks ago we were lucky with refereeing decisions and we paid it back tonight. Brighton’s goal made it a little bit more exciting but in the end we closed the game in a nice way.

On the changes to his squad, Klopp added: “We had no idea we were going to have to line up like this until yesterday’s meeting and I’m pleased for the boys. They were able to adapt.

“Our line up surprised everybody. It’s a good moment that we can do things like this. They adapted and did the job.

“We need to adapt with plenty of different systems. That’s how it should be.”