Neil Critchley reveals how Jurgen Klopp could still have an impact during Shrewsbury clash

Liverpool under-23 coach Neil Critchley has stated that manager Jurgen Klopp could still have an impact on the young team that is set to play against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup replay at Anfield tonight.

Klopp has opted to rest his senior players as he is looking to honour the inaugural Premier League winter break. The German manager will also not be in attendance, as Critchley will be running the team that takes to the field against Shrewsbury.

This is not the first time this has happened, as Liverpool were forced to field a very young side against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup back in December. Klopp and his senior players were in Qatar looking to win the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, Klopp did have some influence the last time Critchley was in charge, as he did send the team a text at half-time during the clash against Aston Villa. Critchley has stated that the same could happen again.

“It was a message that came through, which I have to say was brilliant at that moment,” Critchley said, as quoted by FourFourTwo.

“Even though we were going off the pitch thinking ‘We’ve played alright there but we’re getting beat 4-0’, it creates that element of doubt in your mind about whether you are doing the right thing and if you need to do something different.

“So when you get a message from the manager saying ‘Don’t change anything, carry on doing what you’re doing, you’ve been brilliant’, it just clears all that doubt in your mind and you can give that message to the players.

“The message killed every doubt, it settled them right down. It helped everyone at that moment.

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: Neil Critchley, Manager of Liverpool gives his team instructions during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 17, 2019 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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“That option is available (on Tuesday), yes. But that’s up to the manager. Another great quality of the manager is he trusts people to do their job.

“The best support he gives the players is he gives them a chance and an opportunity.

“I don’t know what more support you could wish for as a young player.

“I know there has been a lot spoken going into the game, but there has been total clarity around the decision and we all support the decision. We all follow him because he has earned that.”

There are those people who believe Klopp should take charge of the team tonight, but a rest could do him some good as Liverpool are heading into a crucial stage of their season.

The reality is, he will still be showing interest in the game, as Critchley has stated. It is a great opportunity for the under-23 coach, also.

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Source: anfieldhq.com