Jurgen Klopp Backs Curtis Jones vs Big Transfer Fans

Jurgen Klopp believes that Curtis Jones is looked upon harshly by certain Liverpool fans because he is “our own”. Klopp praised Jones for his recent run of five starts in a row, despite only having started two games this season prior to this due to a long-term injury. This lack of minutes, as well as the desire for a rebuild in the middle of the park, led many supporters to consider selling him this summer. However, with Jones now overcoming his stress-response issues and producing an excellent spell of form as part of Liverpool’s turnaround, Klopp lauded him for being able to “show up again”. Klopp stated that people often prefer big transfers over academy players, but that Jones has real quality and deserves his current spell. He noted that it was difficult for Jones to go through this period due to not feeling injured, but being unable to do certain activities. Jones could keep his place for a sixth game in a row as Liverpool host Tottenham this weekend, having excelled in his left-sided role in a new-look system. Klopp explained that this was possible due to more time on the training pitch and that it aided Jones’ recovery, as he was unable to build up a regular training schedule with the rest of the squad earlier in the season.