Jurgen Klopp jumps to defence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and in 'no doubt' about his impact for Liverpool

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free

Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Jürgen Klopp has come to the defence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the Liverpool summer signing was criticised following his first start for the club.

Oxlade-Chamberlain had a night to forget in Tuesday’s 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at Leicester City, missing one opportunity to put Klopp’s side ahead and making several clumsy touches.

Klopp was unaware, if not surprised, that Oxlade-Chamberlain’s display was heavily scrutinised after the game, but suggested the former Arsenal player may still need time to adapt and may have felt the effects of a long-standing calf injury.

“Ox had a few really, really good situations and a few unlucky situations. I thought he did really well in the moments when you could see he was trying to adapt to the style of play.

“He had a little problem with the calf, not an injury but a little problem. We all need to get used to this and manage it a little better.

“It was his first game from the start but I can imagine,” Klopp added.

“He didn't play the best game of his life so people probably ask: 'What's the impact he can have?' But I'm not in doubt about this.”