Klopp forced to defend his team-selection against Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp was forced to defend his team-selection on Tuesday night as Liverpool‘s dream of a historic Treble was dashed by Chelsea.

Adrian’s calamitous error gifted Willian the opener before Ross Barkley’s marvellous solo effort booked Frank Lampard side’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Klopp made seven changes from the side that lost to Watford on Saturday – and included youngsters Neco Williams and Curtis Jones in his starting XI as well as fringe players Adrian, Adam Lallana and Takumi Minamino.

Jurgen Klopp was forced to defend his team-selection as Liverpool lost in the FA Cup

‘We made seven changes because we knew it would be intense. We made the changes because there would be a lot of sprints because of how Chelsea play in midfield,’ he said.

‘It was clear we needed acceleration. It’s a learning process for the young players and you can’t do that in the living room at home.

‘Losing 2-0 is not good. But it’s easy to explain. We made two massive mistakes around the goals.’

Despite being virtually assured of winning their first league title in 30 years, Liverpool have now lost three of their last four matches in all competitions – failing to score in three of those games.

‘It’s more easy to explain (not scoring) when you win than when you lose,’ said the German.

‘I have no arguments against the numbers. Everyone can interpret like they want. I know the number and it’s not cool.

Klopp included youngsters Neco Williams (above) and Curtis Jones in the line-up on Tuesday

‘We don’t want to concede and we want to score more. But we’re not 100 miles away and the boys are strong. We have to show this reaction once more.

‘Usually you don’t get a lot of chances against us but now we have to admit that in the last four games we conceded absolutely too many goals.

‘But they are completely different situations so it’s not one problem. I’m not worried about momentum. We never thought it would be easy. We have done very well but tonight was not good enough and that is what we have to accept.’

Lampard added: ‘It’s hard to be comprehensive against Liverpool because they remain in the game because of the team they are.

‘But we can’t ask for any more. The spirit, the work ethic, the quality. You’ve got to defend really well to keep a clean sheet against them. What a team they are.

‘And we defended with everything, played well and deserved to win the game.’