Jurgen Klopp makes Changes to Liverpool line up today’s game

Changes are “a given” for Liverpool against Leicester, but supporters should still feel enthused by the strength of Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the League Cup

It’s a symbol of the changes that are made to Liverpool’s team when the League Cup rolls around that even the man taking the media duties is switched up.

Rather than Jurgen Klopp sitting in front of the press to preview Wednesday’s visit from Championship leaders Leicester City, it was Instead his assistant, Pep Lijnders, who continued his now long-running assignment of fielding the questions the day before Carabao Cup action.

The Dutchman was typically enthusiastic about the young players in the club’s care at present as he talked up the talents of Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday.

If Klopp and Lijnders are determined to get some tentpoles in place, the arrival of the League Cup on to the schedule is not likely to be conducive to that plan. The competition’s early rounds are often characterised by fringe players and chaotic matches. But, crucially, they do offer chances for youngsters to grow in stature.

Liverpool’s pursuit of a record 10th League Cup will give them an opportunity to display the full remit of what is a particularly strong collection of players at Klopp’s disposal.

Whereas previous years have given chances to players like Harvey Blair, Rhys Williams, Ki-Jana Hoever and Rhian Brewster, Klopp suggested last week that neither the League Cup nor the Europa League will automatically mean minutes for fledglings hoping to get the call up.

The Reds boss has always insisted he does not have fringe players in his ranks and while players like Jarell Quansah, Doak and, to a lesser extent Bajcetic will have their heart set on involvement against Leicester, such are the manager’s options now – particularly up front – that he could feasibly name a powerful side without having to trouble too many of his biggest names.

It’s why supporters should still be able to feel enthused about this particular competition, despite it representing the lowest of the priorities for Klopp this season.