According to The Athletic, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was vocally critical of Kostas Tsimikas during the midweek defeat to Atalanta.
Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by the Italian side at Anfield, as Josip Ilicic and Robin Gosens struck to give Atalanta all three points.
That does somewhat complicate Liverpool’s Champions League group stage campaign, and Klopp somewhat paid for naming a rotated side.
His decimated back line featured Neco Williams and Rhys Williams, whilst summer signing Tsimikas was handed a start at left back.
The Greek international, who joined from Olympiacos for £11.75million, wasn’t quite at his best against Atalanta and received some criticism for his display.
It is now suggested that Tsimikas appeared to be the target of Klopp’s ire in the first half for two reasons; his defensive positioning and his use of possession.
Tsimikas ultimately faces a tricky settling in period, given that first-team football will be hard to come by whilst Andrew Robertson is such a regular.
Klopp admitted on Saturday that he wanted to bring Tsimikas on for Robertson at Brighton, so he certainly hasn’t lost faith in his summer signing by any stretch of the imagination.
Add in that some players take a while to really get used to Klopp’s style – such as Fabinho and even Robertson himself in years gone by – and it’s no great shame or concern that Tsimikas had some issues against Atalanta, with plenty of time for him to adapt yet.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
