Jurgen Klopp admitted playing Roberto Firmino at right-back “wasn’t the perfect solution” despite Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace.
Firmino scored the goal that put Liverpool ahead at Anfield after Andros Townsend’s opener.
Palace equalised through James Tomkins 12 minutes later, only for Mohamed Salah to restore their lead with a quarter of an hour remaining.
The Reds held on to secure a victory, with James Milner’s red card, Sadio Mane’s goal and Max Meyer’s strike ensuring a nervy final period.
Klopp paid tribute to Rafa Camacho after the game, but also had some words of praise for Firmino, who filled in at right-back before his introduction – and also played in defensive midfield at one point.
What opposition defenders see when Firmino closes them down.https://t.co/Z2UEZ5JyYB
— LiverpoolFF (@LiverpoolFF) January 20, 2019
“It wasn’t the perfect solution,” said Klopp.
“It was a bit of a surprise of course but we had to react pretty quick and Bobby was a centre-half when he started playing. I remembered that at least, but of course it’s difficult.
“We could have done a few things, bringing in Alberto (Moreno) or Rafa immediately, but we had to defend Zaha with two or three players anyway and Bobby is a very smart player.”
But Klopp admitted he had to keep reminding Firmino of his new defensive responsibilities.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1087071770643857408
“In the moment when he was involved in the counter-attack I thought ‘My God’ but that’s what happens with a lack of oxygen, you do things you wouldn’t normally do! But that’s his desire and I loved that.
“He’s always involved in pretty much everything and in that moment I had to shout ‘You are now right-back’.
“Before that, when Fabinho left the pitch, he was in a 4-5-1 half-left midfield so we had to try a bit of magic. In the end we defended with big heart and not with the best organisation.