Jurgen Klopp clarifies the decision to relegate Darwin Nunez to the bench in Liverpool’s Sheffield United match, emphasizing that it’s not a position Nunez “deserves.” The manager sheds light on his pre-match considerations, noting the effective rotation between Cody Gakpo and Nunez in recent games. 

Despite their shared starting opportunities in two of the last four matches, Klopp elaborates on his choice to favor the Dutchman over Nunez at Bramall Lane, remaining cautious about fueling any specific narrative between the two attackers.

When asked about his changes and what he wants to see from Gakpo, Klopp told Amazon Prime: “Just a good game, with our offensive four now, unfortunately, we have to share it between them.

“The quality is there, we are happy with all of them. It is just how we want to start and who comes on.

“Cody deserves it, obviously, but Darwin didn’t deserve not to start and he will play tonight, he will be very important for us.

“In this busy schedule, you have to make sure you can use as many as possible and still give rhythm to as many as possible.”

Even though Diogo Jota has resumed running after suffering a hamstring injury, Klopp is aware that he must carefully control his attackers’ playing time.

Given that Liverpool has seven games in 20 days, including a trip to Sheffield United, and the extra recent news of Joel Matip’s injury, the lineup decision makes sense.

Though some may have expected Gakpo to start over Nunez, it would have surprised others to see Alexis Mac Allister return to the field after Klopp alluded to fatigued legs following Fulham’s victory.

Although Klopp says he only concentrates on one game at a time, he made four changes in all, and he will be aware that Liverpool will be playing Crystal Palace on Saturday at 12.30 p.m.