Jurgen Klopp discusses the LFC medical staff’s impact on Bajcetic’s return.

As Jurgen Klopp made 11 changes to his squad for the trip to LASK in search of victory, he also used the game to integrate Stefan Bajcetic.

Bajcetic had not played at any level for Liverpool for more than six months when he started in Thursday night’s Europa League opener.

His full game since suffering an adductor injury in March was 30 minutes for Spain under-21s in a 6-0 win over Malta.
But with Klopp making a number of changes at LASK and the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley, Bajcetic is back as part of the starting line-up.

He did so in an unfamiliar role, adopting the pleasing Alexander-Arnold hybrid role, starting at right-back but moving into midfield. In his post-match press conference, Klopp described the 3-1 win as a “massive learning curve” and noted how his club “caused problems” for Bajcetic.

“Stefan found his way into the game after a rather difficult start,” explained the manager.
– We caused him problems with the timing of the passes.

Bajcetic grew into the game and was involved in the goal that brought Liverpool level. His late ball across the six-yard box led to a penalty for Luis Diaz.

Thursday, September 21, 2023: Liverpool’s Luis Díaz (R) celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group E first leg match between LASK and Liverpool FC at Raiffeisen Arena.

However, the 18-year-old came off the field five minutes later as one of three substitutes, joined by Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ben Doak. But while Endo and Doak may have pushed themselves for tactical reasons, Bajcetic was not taken for his effectiveness.

Klopp told LFCTV that his substitution was pre-planned, with Liverpool’s medical staff dictating limited playing minutes for both the Spaniard and Ibrahima Konate.
“Ibou came through, we had to take him because the medical department told us,” he said.

“We had to take Stefan, because the medical department ordered us to.
“It made it a little difficult to move

Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah and Liverpool’s Stefan Baj?eti? during training at the AXA Training Center before the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC.

With Liverpool taking three points and no players injured, Klopp told reporters he was cheeky enough to be really happy.

One of the “many positives”, added the German, was that “Stefan could get minutes”.

“You have to get used to everything. You have to get used to the competition, you still have to get used to each other,” he continued.

“I changed 11 times, so everything that didn’t work is my responsibility, everything that worked, the boys did very well.
“Honestly, I’m very happy about it. I can say that I am really happy.”