Don’t believe everything you read (or don’t read) on social media.
Jordan Ibe caused something of a diplomatic incident on Merseyside when he purged his Twitter and Instagram accounts of any mention of Liverpool FC. His employers, like.
However after giving him his first start in over two months, in the 2-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp insisted he had not fallen out with the talented young winger.
The Liverpool manager insisted Ibe’s absence from the team in recent times has been a simple case of form and competition for places.
“Jordon Ibe [has had] not the most easy time and I have heard something that he has some problems with me or something – absolutely not. Only a few young players come up and sometimes you’re in the squad and sometimes you’re not.
“He is still a brilliant, big, big talent and good for English football. He did well today. Both wingers [were] young, the centre-backs experienced and the goalkeeper young. I was not surprised, but it was better than I thought it would be.”
The 20 year old was a regular for most of the season, but owed his first start since a 2-1 win over West Ham in February to Klopp making 10 changes to the team that achieved the miracle comeback over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Goals from the front two of Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino were enough to give Liverpool all three points against a Bournemouth side who can relax now that they are safe from relegation.
Confirmed #LFC starting XI to face @afcbournemouth: Ward, Randall, Toure, Lucas, Smith, Allen, Stewart, Ibe, Ojo, Firmino, Sturridge.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 17, 2016
The winger was the apple of Klopp’s eye when the German replaced Brendan Rodgers and fans may be suspicious of Ibe’s intentions still. Especially after what happened with the last young winger to blaze a trail in the first team all the way to the Etihad.
