Danny Murphy believes Jurgen Klopp has made the wrong call after revealing he and his first-team squad will play NO PART in Liverpools FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town.
A second-string Reds side let a two-goal lead slip on Sunday, as the League One club staged a remarkable comeback to draw 2-2 and book a return trip to Anfield in the fourth-round.
Jason Cummings (left) was Shrewsbury’s super-sub saviour with both of the League One side’s goals
However, Klopp confirmed after the match than neither he nor his first-team squad will be there for the replay.
With the game falling in the middle of the Premier Leagues two-week winter break, Klopp is giving his senior stars a rest as they look to continue their hunt for a first league championship since 1990.
Instead the club will put out a young team, likely to be similar to the one that faced Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals back in December while the first-team players were over in Qatar for the Club World Cup.
And Klopp has said even he will take a break, with Under-23s manager Neil Critchley set to take charge of the team in his absence.
Neil Critchley will again lead out Liverpool in the FA Cup in Jurgen Klopp’s absence – but Danny Murphy insists the German chief should be there
However, former Liverpool star Murphy insists there is no reason for Klopp to sit out along with his players.
Speaking on Mondays White and Sawyer, the ex-midfielder said the German has the responsibility to be there, and his presence would raise the performances of the clubs young players who will be eager to impress.
Murphy told talkSPORT: Im completely with Jurgen Klopp in protecting his players when theyre pushing for the league for the first time in the 30 years and theyve got the Champions League still.
Protect your players, I understand that; youve got a big squad, youve got good youngsters, rotate the team – no problem.
But I think he should be there. He should be at the game. I dont think theres any reason for him not to be there.
Jurgen Klopp is adamant his senior players will get a winter break next month, regardless of their FA Cup replay
Wherever hes flying to, whatever holiday hes got with or without the players, whether theyre going away together or hes given the players time off, he is the manager.
“Hes not running round the pitch every three days, hes just walking about the training pitch and in the dugout.
As the manager, the impact of being there for those younger lads who play on the day is massive.
Im telling you it would make a difference to their performance. I know as a young player, when the first-team manager comes to watch you, even at a training session, the tempo goes from seven to ten.
A part of his thinking may be that he doesnt want to overshadow Critchely and what hes doing with those young players… but I dont think it would.
Shrewsbury Town boss Sam Ricketts says FA Cup replay at Liverpool is ‘everything’ for the League One club
So wherever Klopp is, this is at Anfield so he can get to the game.
I completely understood the Club World Cup; it was nearly impossible for him to be at both games in 24 hours, but this is a bit different.
Ive not got a problem with what team they put out, but I think he should be there and I think it would help the players if hes there.
And Ive got a feeling he will be there. I think this might change.
Watch a clip of Danny Murphy on talkSPORT above!