Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a loan exit for Liverpool full-back Neco Williams despite the youngster’s lack of regular minutes for the Merseysiders.
Williams has been forced to play second fiddle to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-back role and there has been the speculation that Liverpool could ship out the Welshman on a loan arrangement come January.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, however, downplayed the suggestions of Williams leaving the Liverpool camp in the near future but the German coach did sound out a potential change in playing position for the defender.
“We are really short of players. The last thing I’m thinking about is who could go on loan in the winter.”
“In Neco’s case, I can 100 percent understand that my colleague from Wales [Page] said he thinks it would make sense that they play.
“But they are nearly qualified or can qualify for the World Cup with a lot of players who are not first choice in their teams.
“So I think it makes absolute sense that Neco is here developing every day, and that’s what he’s doing. And to fight through the situation, that’s what he’s doing.”
“Just going on loan, you never know where they will end up – not Neco, but in general.”
“First and foremost you have to make sure you fight where you are, because if you don’t sort your problems where you are, you will carry them with you to the next club as well.
“I’ve said before, it’s not easy to be first-choice player constantly at Liverpool, we have a really strong squad.
“But Neco is developing, Neco is improving, and that’s why Neco could play how he played for Wales. Not only against Belgium, but as well against Belgium. That’s it.”
He added: “I’m not sure if right-back really is [his] natural position, but then [if it is] there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“But Neco, I saw images of his performances [for Wales] and he did really well, especially offensively, big chance against Belgium in the last minute or so.
“It’s all about pushing. That’s what he’s doing, so he’s not doing anything wrong. Then it’s about opportunity coming up.”
Klopp’s remarks came in his pre-match presser ahead of Liverpool playing hosts to Arsenal at Anfield with a high-billed Premier League showdown on the cards for the weekend.
The Reds have gone without a win in their last two outings in league action and Klopp will hope for his players to return to much-needed winnings way to keep the title hopes alive.
