Liverpool starters given day-off as squad returns to Melwood training after Sevilla frustrations

  • Liverpool drew 2-2 with Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday
  • Jurgen Klopp's team failed to close out the game while leading 2-1
  • Liverpool's starting 11 were absent as the non-starters returned to training
  • James Milner, Philippe Coutinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared as subs
  • While full-back Joe Gomez was shown a red card shortly before full-time

After a frustrating evening for Liverpool it’s back to the drawing board for manager Jurgen Klopp as his side return to Melwood training.

Klopp could do nothing but stand and watch as his side were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield by Sevilla on Wednesday. The Spaniards were on hand to cause yet more European upset to the Merseyside team in their return to the Champions League after victory in their Europa League final encounter in 2016.

Liverpool squandered a 2-1 lead with a missed Roberto Firmino penalty, who quickly went from hero to zero after he had earlier levelled the tie after the home side conceded five minutes in.

Liverpool's non-starters were the only sight at Melwood after Wednesday's draw with Sevilla

Liverpool's non-starters were the only sight at Melwood after Wednesday's draw with Sevilla

Jurgen Klopp's team were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield in their Champions League return

Jurgen Klopp's team were held to a 2-2 draw at Anfield in their Champions League return

Summer signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in action after coming off the bench

Summer signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in action after coming off the bench

As well as Daniel Sturridge, who failed to make an impact from the bench
While Philippe Coutinho appeared for the first time since his summer transfer saga

As well as Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho who appeared from as subs late on

The result brought yet more criticisms of their lack of urgency and solidarity in defence as they continue to leak goals, while the starting 11 were given the day off.


Non-starters James Milner, Ragnar Klaven and Andrew Robertson were in action at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground, as well as Daniel Sturridge, new-boy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Philippe Coutinho, who all came off the bench on Wednesday night.

Also in attendance was Lazar Markovic, Danny Ings, who recently suffered another set-back, Jon Flanagan and ex Chelsea man Domonic Solanke, who were all smiles at Melwood despite Wednesday's result.

The team-mates engaged in what can only be considered as a cross between team-building and strength and conditioning exercises.

But the Liverpool squad that did not appear seemed positive despite the result

But the Liverpool squad that did not appear seemed positive despite the result

As they took part in what can only be described as team-building exercises
With Oxlade-Chamberlain looking right at home with his new team-mates

As they took part in what can only be described as team-building exercises

Out of favour full-back and academy product Jon Flanagan was a familiar face

Out of favour full-back and academy product Jon Flanagan was a familiar face

While manager Klopp renewed his friendship with former want-away Coutinho

While manager Klopp renewed his friendship with former want-away Coutinho

Sturridge and Coutinho were called into action late in the game after 76 and 84 minutes, while Oxlade-Chamberlain, who signed from Arsenal for £35million, was given just five minutes to impact the game.

It’s been a torrid week for Liverpool overall after they suffered their second red card in two games, the first coming by Sadio Mane’s dismissal in their 5-0 thrashing by Manchester City on Saturday, and Joe Gomez was also shown red on Wednesday shortly before the full-time whistle.

Klopp has some questions to answer, and he will need the answers soon as Burnley, who are in the mood for upsets of late, visit Anfield on Saturday.