Klopp admits starting Oxlade-Chamberlain was a mistake following Super Cup win

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted his decision to start Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the UEFA Super Cup was a mistake.

The German surprisingly elected to use the England international from the beginning in a wide left position, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah also in attack.

Roberto Firmino was left on the bench, but the Brazilian replace Oxlade-Chamberlain at half-time, which paid dividends for the Reds.

Firmino’s introduction really helped Liverpool, with the star helping himself to two assists.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may have struggled, but Klopp has taken the blame.

He told The Liverpool Echo: “I didn’t say a lot to Ox [at half-time] I don’t think it was necessary. It was very important for him to have these minutes.

“We wanted to give him an opportunity to shine. It wasn’t as possible as we would have wished in that position, but that was my mistake and not his as I made the decision.”

TBR’s view

It was always going to be a big ask for Oxlade-Chamberlain to shine on his first start after his injury nightmare, especially in an unfamiliar role.

Liverpool fans should not be overly concerned by his performance – he is simply not going to carry the same threat in attack as a Mane or a Salah.

Klopp could potentially call on Naby Keita to play from the left if he needs cover for Mane in the future, with the Guinea international having played that role on occasion.

Oxlade-Chamberlain should really be deployed as an advanced midfielder for him to be at his most effective.