Klopp defends decision to loan Flanagan to Burnley

Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision to allow Jon Flanagan to join Burnley on a season-long loan.

Full-back Flanagan joined the Championship winners earlier this summer, after making his long-awaited return from injury for Liverpool in the latter stages of last season.

The England international was expected to feature in the Reds’ first team this season, but Klopp instead opted to loan him out.

The German explained that this was because Flanagan would earn valuable first-team experience with the Clarets, but it leaves Liverpool short in defence.

Alberto Moreno is the club’s much-maligned first-choice left-back, and back-up to him is midfielder James Milner.

Many have therefore questioned the value of loaning out a squad player, but Klopp has defended the transfer.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to send Flanno on loan because it makes sense for him,” Klopp said.

“After a long injury he needs the opportunity to play. In Flanno’s case we thought it makes absolute sense that he gets the opportunity to play at the highest level with Burnley. It’s all good for all sides.”

The manager also offered kind words to Danny Ings, who has yet to feature under Klopp after severely injuring his knee in October.

“I like Danny,” Klopp added. “I talked to him last week and said in my opinion it made more sense that he collects game time. He scored a goal and it was all good.

“It’s the same with all the players – show me your best and then give me difficult decisions to make.

“Hopefully it stays like this and on Friday I have to make difficult decisions because no-one has given me the sign that they don’t want to be involved.”