Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has defended his team selection after their Europa League defeat to Atalanta.

The Reds were hammered 3-0 at home in the first-leg of their quarterfinal.

Klopp said: “That’s how it is, we lose a game then it’s [because of] the changes, but I get the question 100%.

“One of the reasons I would do exactly the same again is if we want to be good in the rest of the season we have to make changes.

“Harvey (Elliott) was all right, we didn’t take off the three worst players (at half-time). Curtis Jones came back from injury and you could see good moments, it was the most important training session he had since he’s back, 45 minutes. Harvey was all right. Kostas Tsimikas, not a lot of rhythm, so then you think to give the game a chance.

“By the way, we lost the second half 2-0 and the first half 1-0 so we don’t know which one was better, it’s just how it is. I am responsible for this result first and foremost, I know that. But the decision (about the starting line-up) would remain the same.”