Klopp: Oxlade-Chamberlain for the long term

Jurgen Klopp is ready to hand Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain his first start in the Carabao Cup against Leicester, and has defended his player amidst a seemingly slow start to life at Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger is alleged to have believed that a lack of self-confidence hindered the England international's progress, but Klopp has dismissed any such worries.

"I think it would be strange for me to say it after two and half weeks when Arsene Wenger said this after working with him for six or seven years," Klopp said.

"But a new start is very often a kind of relief. That's how it is. You are in a situation with your old club – and I don't say this about Alex specifically – and you accept it and it is difficult to make the next step. I thought it made complete sense for Alex to change club and to come here.

"So far I can't see that. He knew at least all the England players and a few others. He is a really nice lad so it is easy for him to settle into a new team. He knows the situation. He played all the games for Arsenal from the beginning and now he comes here and is on the bench.

"It looks 'Oh, not the best decision!" but it is a long-term thing. We want to use him and to prepare him also. It is all good from this side at the moment."