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Klopp denies Liverpool being fragile

Cape Town - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had to defend his team selection after conceding late in recent draws to Sevilla and Chelsea.

The Reds squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Sevilla in the Champions League in midweek, before a late goal from Willian on Saturday saw the Blues draw 1-1 at Anfield.

"I have not for a second the impression that it is a psychological thing," Klopp said.

The German coach needed to answer for the omission of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum from the starting XI against Chelsea.

"You need to have options, if you don't have options then you are moaning about it," he said.

"All the other teams, the intensity is getting higher. We play again on Wednesday against Stoke, and Saturday and Wednesday and so on.

"We cannot do it without using all the players. [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] deserved every minute he was on the pitch, Daniel [Sturridge] deserved it.

"[James Milner] deserves it all the time. If you bring these players and don't use them it would be a real waste of quality."

Klopp also insisted that he’s not a fan of time-wasting as a tactic, saying that "we try to close games down, but we don't do it in a cynical way".

"We don't do it like 'oh sit down again'....you have seven minutes overtime then," Klopp added.

"The day when somebody thinks like this, with not being a proper sportsman and being fair, then I stop. If it's not okay anymore that we try our best, then it is something wrong.

"Yes, you have to be smart, yes you have to be clever in different situations. (But I) didn't see a lot where we had to stay down. If you don't hear a whistle you have to stay up."

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