Jurgen Klopp increases Liverpool 'captains group' to six and names three new members; Liverpool players vote for who they want to be the club captain and for each player who would fill the role in the event of Jordan Henderson and any of his successors being absent.

Byline: By, Darren Wells

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he increased Liverpool's 'captains group' from four to six people earlier this season.

Georginio Wijnaldum was the fourth elected member of the exclusive group, but his departure left a hole which needed to be filled.

But rather than just add one player to the mix, Klopp was keen to extend it further following the disastrous injury crisis the club endured last season.

Wijnaldum often had to step up and skipper the side in the absence of his fellow captains, while other players also held the armband at various points in the campaign.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Klopp said: "We had 3 [captains] and the players voted for another 3.

"Hendo [Jordan Henderson], Milly [James Milner, Virg[il van Dijk] and then it's Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Robbo [Andy Robertson] and Alisson.

"From time to time last year we had no-one available at times last year so I increased the captains group."

Injuries to van Dijk and Henderson were particularly felt last season, but Klopp's decision to expand the group will not come as any real surprise.

Alexander-Arnold has captained Liverpool before, while Robertson skippers the Scotland national side and Alisson is a well-respected figure in the Reds' dressing room.

Klopp has more pressing concerns on his agenda at present though than merely who will be sporting the armband.

Liverpool were held to a surprise 3-3 draw with newly-promoted Brentford on Saturday, and Klopp admitted his side's defending was a slight issue.

"It's not that much of a concern, but we have to show a reaction [against Porto]," he said. "It's tricky to win a game when you aren't defending on your highest level and that's what we didn't do.

"It wasn't just the last line, in general we had a problem with defending.

"Porto is a different team but we have to improve in that department. We spoke about it and know we cannot do it like that defend and we sorted that and have to show that [on Tuesday]."

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Liverpool currently top their Champions League Group B following a 3-2 win over AC Milan a fortnight ago, while Porto were held to a draw by Atletico Madrid.

Klopp has confirmed he will be without the services of Thiago Alcantara for the clash, who has been spotted using crutches for a calf injury sustained against Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Harvey Elliott is also still sidelined following his horror injury at Leeds, but Klopp's squad are otherwise reporting a clean bill of health.

The Reds' boss also hinted youngster Curtis Jones could also feature more prominently going forward, providing he can reproduce the same form he showed against Brentford.

"Last game was a good example, that's how Curtis has to play," Klopp added. "Has to defend be involved in the attack and he scored.

"He can do the same with his left foot, which makes him pretty special. In midfield it's a rare moment they're all fit and I have to make decisions.

"Performances like the last one help for sure for him to get game time."

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Credit: REUTERS

Jurgen Klopp has named Andy Robertson among three more players in Liverpool's captains group

Credit: REUTERS

Trent Alexander-Arnold has filled Wijnaldum's spot as Liverpool's fourth-choice captain