Oxlade-Chamberlain: The boss has told us all to be ready
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expects Jürgen Klopp to continue rotating after revealing that the boss has told his players they all need to be ready to perform in the coming weeks.
Klopp made five changes to his line-up for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield, with Oxlade-Chamberlain one of the beneficiaries of that decision as he came in to make his second Premier League start for Liverpool.
That meeting with Antonio Conte’s side represented the Reds’ third game in a sequence of 13 within a timeframe of just 45 days, which concludes when they visit Burnley on New Year’s Day.
Such a relentless schedule will inevitably test any squad - and Klopp has left Oxlade-Chamberlain and his teammates in no doubt that they will get their opportunities as Liverpool bid to make up ground at the top of the table during the season’s most hectic period.
Oxlade-Chamberlain previews trip to Stoke City
“Definitely, the manager spoke to us about that. He’s got a big squad for a reason and he’s got faith in everyone. I think he showed that by changing some players and some big players that have been doing really well [against Chelsea],” the No.21 told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It’s a really busy period and it’s important that all the boys are going to be fresh for as much of it as possible, if not all of it.
“Everyone is going to have to chip in and play their part and whoever gets left out is always disappointed, but the good thing about this manager and being in this team is you always know you could be needed in the next game and your chance is always going to come.
“You need to make sure you’re ready for that and that keeps everyone really competitive and ready and motivated [so] when the time does come for them to come in, they seem to come up trumps.
“He sat us down and said: ‘You’re all going to be needed here. I know people are going to be disappointed when they’re pulled out or not playing, but you’re all going to be used so make sure you’re all ready.’
“I think that’s what he proved at the weekend with his changes and I’m sure there’s going to be a lot more as it does get really intense, especially when it gets close to Christmas.”
Following Adam Lallana’s long-awaited return as a second-half substitute against Chelsea, Klopp now has a full squad to choose from - with the exception of long-term absentee Nathaniel Clyne.
Oxlade-Chamberlain explained that such an array of options and fierce competition for a place in the starting XI will only help the Reds fulfil their objectives, both in the short and long term.
“Of course; the more squad players or people in the squad that are the big players and the regular players and his [Klopp’s] guys, that’s what you want,” the England international said.
“You want to have as many fit as possible. Apart from Clyney, everyone’s back now and raring to go and that is a great thing.
“It sends out a good message when you’ve got a team out and the bench is looking really strong as well, when you’ve got boys who can come on and change the game and they’re big players as well, that’s massive towards being competitive for a league.
“I think any team that wants to win the league and play in the Champions League as well - and when the FA Cup starts - you need a big squad like that and it helps, competition for places.
“It makes sure that no-one can rest easy and think they’re just going to be playing when there’s big players behind them and big players waiting to play. So it’s only a good thing and it’ll push the team to achieve good things.”
Liverpool’s busy winter programme continues on Wednesday when they travel to Stoke City.
Despite the Potters’ struggles this season, Oxlade-Chamberlain is anticipating a difficult evening at the Bet365 Stadium but insists the Reds are determined to get back to winning ways.
“No matter where Stoke are, or if they’re doing good or not so good in the league, when a big team goes there they always seem to turn up and their fans are really good at home, as well,” the 24-year-old commented.
“It is a tough place to go so we know what expect. It’s going to be a really tough game, hard and I’m sure very physical but we’ve got to be up for the challenge, be ready for that and put our own quality on the game.
“There were positives to take from that game [against Chelsea and] areas we can improve on. The boys are all chomping at the bit to get three points.”