Why I started van Dijk and Mane against Everton - Klopp

Jurgen klopp has revealed the reason for starting Virgil van Dijk against Everton.

The Reds host Everton in the 230th Merseyside Derby in the third round of FA Cup.

“It’s just a normal football game. We couldn’t do too much so far; Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren played a lot of games in the last few weeks, and both have a little bit here and a little bit there,” said Klopp.

“So, [we have] fresh Joel Matip for this very important game. And a very fresh Virgil van Dijk – not fine-tuned, of course, but to deal with my expectations as a player is quite easy.

“It’s only about what they are feeling from around. I hope that especially all the people of Liverpool accept that the best things will come. But tonight he has to help us. We know that and we will help him as well.”

Sadio Mane retained  his spot in the starting XI after attending the CAF African Player of the Year awards on Thursday night.

“Ghana is a nice country and not too far away from our time. It was a proper flight and maybe he had a better bed than I had!” the boss stated, when asked about the forward’s inclusion.

“Everything is good and he had enough time to sleep. Everything was perfectly organised – all good.”