Jürgen Klopp described Jon Flanagan's return to first-team action on Wednesday night with a 40-minute appearance against Exeter City as one of the best pieces of news possible. The Liverpool defender ended a 619-day spell on the sidelines when he was introduced as a substitute early in the second half of a 3-0 victory over the League Two side. Joe Allen, Sheyi Ojo and Joao Carlos Teixeira scored the goals in the replay to send the Reds into the fourth round, where they will host West Ham United on January 30. Flanagan’s comeback was the icing on the cake – and Klopp was delighted to see the No.38’s hard work rewarded with a memorable welcome back from the sold-out crowd. The manager said: “When Flanno came in it was a great moment, after this long time. “I haven’t had him too often in training until now because we need to really be careful with him. Too high intensity is not allowed, so it’s always training, break, training, break, recovery. He had a few minutes in the U21s. “Connor Randall had a little problem with a muscle and it was the opportunity for us to bring Flanno on. It was a really emotional moment. “The whole stadium stood up and clapped their hands. It was really good and nobody deserved it more than him. It’s such a long time, an unbelievably long time. “Since I’ve been here he was always injured – but never in a bad mood! That’s unbelievable. He is a really strong lad. “Hopefully, now it goes on. We have to see how he feels tomorrow and take it day by day. But it is one of the best [pieces of] news we could get that he’s back.” Sounds like Flanno as no chance of a new contract
I doubt he will play within the week again. He is building muscle and strength every carefully by the sounds of klopp so we will see how long they take to get him to a point where 90mins is possible or a weeks training. He won't be in norwich squad i reckon... might be on bench for capital one semi.
Thought he had a really good game considering how much he's missed the last 18months! Can only get better from here
Yes he did very well. I thought you'd all want to watch him on actual threads seeing you all cared so little that I found this on page 2 earlier. .... I'm his biggest fan obviously
Cracking game tonight. Plenty of heart, desire and determination. Got stuck in, never hid from the tackle winning majority of balls and supported the attack too. Move Moreno forward and play Flanno LB with Clyne RB.
**** no just drop moreno.... did he deliver anything but chance to them? Buy teixteria quick. Get coutinho back. Play Allen.
He won his tackles...little came down his flank..he didnt try and beat his man five times up the pitch and when let go by the manager in the second half he proved like Smith he'll play short passing and knock a cross in quickly when he gets there. It is a simple game...the "big" names in our team forget that with their 15 touches.....
Thought he did well all things considering - did lose his man a few times, but is expected to be rusty. But there is no way we should tart him over either Moreno or Clyne.
Not sure if serious? Moreno's days will be numbered on current form. He doesn't lack for effort the lad but he can't defend for love nor money.
I like the pace Moreno offers. Plus he does have a decent delivery on him when he wants, maybe not having to worry so much about defending (not sure he can worry less tbh) he'll be better attacking? He does show plenty of desire, just not for getting into position which is obviously a big problem.
