Klopp: How Divock made sure he was ready to step in
Divock Origi's determination to improve and keep working on his game at Melwood meant he was in prime condition when the opportunity arose to come back into the Liverpool line-up, Jürgen Klopp insists.
The 21-year-old was introduced as a 34th-minute replacement for the injured Philippe Coutinho during last weekend's Premier League encounter with Sunderland and then subsequently started the midweek EFL Cup tie with Leeds United.
Origi struck crucial opening goals in both games to help the Reds to 2-0 victories in each - and Klopp believes it is testament to the young striker's attitude in training.
The boss said: “I said it after the Sunderland game - timing is really important. You don't always have influence on timing, but in this case it worked out really well because it was exactly one or two weeks since Div was back in shape, in the race, and has the good shape.
“That was lucky, I would say, so he was ready for this specific moment coming in. I think everybody could see the difference between one or two substitutions when he came in a little bit earlier, it was not too easy for him.
“He is still 21 and he hasn't had the most match time in the last few months, so then he had no rhythm but he is always working, never moaning - [sometimes] a little more confident, a little less confident, how it is with all people in all parts of life.
“I was really happy for him having this opportunity and being in the shape to use it. It was really nice to see.”
LFCTV GO: Klopp's pre-match press conference in full