Jurgen Klopp jokingly apologised to Curtis Jones over his lack of game time after he played a starring role in Liverpool Carabao Cup semi-final win.
Liverpool came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Anfield on Wednesday night in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
The Reds struggled for much of the game but found their feet late on, with Darwin Nunez coming off the bench to brilliantly set up Jones and Cody Gakpo to score a quick-fire double.
Jones’ equaliser came after his strike from 25 yards took a big deflection off Tosin Adarabioyo and it was another strong overall performance for the young midfielder.
The 22-year-old broke into the first-team several seasons ago but has never really held down a place in the starting XI, with just seven Premier League starts this campaign.
After the Fulham match, Jones spoke about getting a good run in the team, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘It is benefitting me loads. The important thing is that I keep it up. My chance is there, so it is on me now [to perform].’
Responding to these remarks, manager Klopp acknowledged he had perhaps underutilised the player, saying: ‘Curtis is super, super, super important to us and he knows that.
‘Coincidentally I heard his interview and the only thing to break through was “I need more game time”. I love that! So sorry Curtis that I didn’t give you more game time earlier.
‘He has made big steps. He looked like the fittest player on the whole pitch. He got a knock, I think a dead leg, he went down, but then a second later he turned around and scored.
‘A good footballer, very, very good – he always was… but using these skills, he is now for me, for him for everybody thank god, doing it consistently. That is really cool.
‘He made big steps in defensive things, which gives him a better feeling for the game. Then all of a sudden he can show his quality more.
‘It is a joy to have the boy around because he has this natural scouse confidence and it is really cool.’
The second leg of the tie at Craven Cottage takes place next Wednesday, but before then Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they travel to Bournemouth on Sunday.
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