"It was always clear in our situation that we had to bring in a centre-half (in the summer). I think everybody agreed on that," Jurgen Klopp told a press conference when asked about Joe Gomez's lack of game time.
"Joe didn't play much yet (this season), but that's how it is. After the long injury, we decided to start with Joel [Matip], which made absolute sense. Now Ibou [Konate] came in.
"We have to deal with Joey, at the beginning still we are dealing intensity and stuff like this.
"We are not even halfway through the season and people are already talking about these kind of things. Hopefully, nobody gets injured through the year.
"But that's a footballer's life. You have to be on top of your game for the moment when you come in, and in that moment you have to convince everybody. That's how it is."
Gomez missed around nine months due to a freak knee injury he sustained in training with his national side.
After his return, the 24-year-old has made six appearances for Liverpool, including two short cameos in the Premier League. He has played 90 minutes only on three occasions, including two Carabao Cup games.
