Phil Thompson says Jurgen Klopp needs to win a trophy this season – and the Carabao Cup could provide a great opportunity.
The Reds, who remain unbeaten this season, host Chelsea third-round clash on Wednesday evening as Klopp continues his quest for a first trophy since taking over at Anfield in 2015.
Liverpool legend Thompson admits the German is likely to make changes as the Carabao Cup is not his top priority, but says he would love to see the team go all the way in the competition.
It would be great, I would love to do it and it’s a trophy,” he said ahead of the Fantasy Six-A-Side fixture.
“Jurgen has to win a trophy this year. For the quality of squad he now has, he has to win a trophy.
“It gives him a great opportunity and I would gladly take the Carabao Cup, but you have to look where your priorities lie, which is what most managers do and make changes in these early rounds.
Dare I say it, a lot of managers over the years, in the big six clubs, have put out weakened teams thinking if they do get knocked out they will take it on the chin and it will give them a better chance in Europe and the Premier League.
“They obviously don’t want to go out at the early stage, it’s not very nice, but come later in the season they will view it as a godsend.”
Thompson wants to see fringe players such as Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip and Fabinho given a chance to impress, insisting Klopp can name a very strong second-string side.
He insists some of the club’s star names should be named on the bench to give Liverpool the best chance of progressing.
He added: “There could be a multitude of changes, but I think Jurgen Klopp has a great opportunity to change his team.
“He has been so consistent with his selections so far in the Premier League and Champions League and now he has a great opportunity to give the other players a run out.
“Xherdan Shaqiri will probably play and we are looking at such a good squad now that he could literally pick a second team of what we call star names. Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Alberto Moreno and Fabinho should all start.
“Naby Keita will probably play, then there’s Divock Origi and Dominic Solanke if fit, plus Daniel Sturridge. It’s a decent team.
“What I would certainly hope is for Jurgen to have the cavalry on the bench, a lot of the first-team players.
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“The priority, because of their start to the season, is winning the Premier League. That should be the number one target.
“It is closely followed then by the Champions League, so this would be the ideal opportunity for him to get a rest for the players.”