Brentford has recovered admirably from the “brutal” loss of Ivan Toney, according to Jurgen Klopp.
Toney has been Brentford’s best scorer the last three seasons, but he is now serving an eight-month ban for breaking betting regulations. He is not allowed to play again until January 16.
But after winning their last three games, Brentford, led by manager Thomas Frank, moved up to ninth in the standings and will visit Liverpool on Sunday.
Playing Brentford and Thomas Frank was really difficult for various reasons. They perform admirably. Although I’m not sure if they are entirely satisfied with the season, Klopp told reporters that “losing Ivan Toney, the player he was for them, really is brutal.”
“However, they are stable at the table, which is presumably what Brentford wants—to get through this predicament and then use him once again when he returns.
Although it’s well-run, I would say that they had some difficulties during the season adjusting to playing without Ivan. However, if you look at the table, they are in the middle and appear to be trending upward.”
While Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool will be absent due to a one-match suspension, Klopp stated that Trent Alexander-Arnold might start in midfield.
This month, in the Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth, Alexander-Arnold was on the field when the full back set up the game-winning goal.
Indeed, there is a chance; but, the circumstances, the opposition, and numerous other factors all play a role. He can play there, as we know,” remarked Klopp.
“We should not entirely forget that if we merely place him there, we lose one of the top right backs in the world. He is, of course, a possibility for that role.”
Another alternative is Wataru Endo; Klopp stated that once the Japanese midfielder establishes a rhythm, he would start more league games.
“It’s significant that Wataru takes daily steps. Such tales have been told before. Nobody can recall Andy Robertson’s half-year absence from the field, but it was that way,” Klopp remarked.
“That’s okay, other gamers experienced difficulties at first as well. We played pretty well, he didn’t even struggle, and he is very crucial to us.
