Klopp insists he will not rest players for Man United

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will not “leave their star players at home” against Porto, despite facing Manchester United soon after.

Liverpool host Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

The Reds hold a 5-0 lead from the first leg, and so many expect them to rest their better players ahead of the visit to Man United on Saturday.

Klopp says that will not be the case, however.

“It’s not about rest. We have to see,” he said.

“I have not thought a second about the line-up against Porto, but they have won all their games since we played them. They now have a big lead ahead of Sporting. They will strike back, that’s what they want.

“They are Portuguese and proud and will give a fight. They want to strike back. If anybody here thinks they come here and give the game up, leave their star players at home or whatever, they are mistaken.

“It’s Champions League and the whole world is watching. I don’t think for a second about resting anybody.

“I know it’s Manchester United afterwards but we cannot change it. We can’t say, ‘now we pick this and rest him’.”