Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made an admission regarding Andy Robertson as he spoke to reporters before the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Brentford in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp voiced his concerns over Andy Robertson’s workload ahead of Liverpool’s draw with Brentford.
The Reds led twice and were pegged back each time as they settled for a 3-3 draw after a riveting fixture with the Bees on Saturday evening. Robertson lined up at left-back for the fixture and picked up an assist, having been an unused substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend.
The 27-year-old missed the start of the season through injury and he has shared minutes with back-up Kostas Tsimikas, who has impressed during his second season at Anfield and started against Palace and Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.
Robertson had made just one appearance for Liverpool this season by the time of the September international break, but he then started all three of Scotland’s fixtures.
Klopp is fully aware Scotland manager Steve Clarke is unlikely to hand his national team captain a breather and admitted he must “give him a rest” from time to time – even if Robertson would rather play every game.
“Yeah, I hope that’s not too big of a surprise,” Klopp told Sky Sports of the many starting XI changes he made for the trip to Brentford.
“We had to make changes the last few weeks and that’s the line-up we have now. Today, we have one in three, four days, then another one few days later. It’s clear.
“Trent (Alexander-Arnold) was only a little bit unwell and Robbo (Robertson) got a rest because he plays all the games for Scotland all the time so we need to give him a rest even if he doesn’t want it.”
Robertson teed up Curtis Jones to put Liverpool 3-2 up against Brentford, but Yoane Wisser equalized for the Bees late on.
Liverpool was not at their best defensively against the newly-promoted side, despite the glowing praise lynchpin Virgil van Dijk received before the match.
“He’s just banging on form, it’s a joy to watch him,” Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports of Van Dijk. “I don’t think there are many players in Premier League history that have single-handedly made a difference to a team as he does.”
“He gives me hope Liverpool can win the league, without him, they can’t simple as that. We saw without him last season the difference to the team, everyone is so calm when he’s on the pitch, they defend in a different manner, he just plays the game at his own pace and it gives everyone an air of confidence all around him. He’s an incredible footballer.”