Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he is a firm believer in playing his strongest team in cup competitions, but stressed that his strongest team always changes depending on circumstances.
The Reds are in action tomorrow against Southampton in a League Cup quarter-final tie and Klopp is looking to help the Merseyside giants into the semi-finals, with a possible trophy on the agenda.
He has chosen to field strong sides in cup competitions, including the Europa League, since he arrived at Anfield and is clear that is his policy.
But Klopp says that his strongest side is forever changing and an eye must be kept on the effects of previous games and upcoming matches.
"Yes [I believe in playing my strongest team in cup competitions], but the strongest team depends on the situation", he told a press conference.
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"How much they played in the last few days, we can't ignore this. We can't ignore the last few games or the next game.
"In an ideal world you need six angry players who are not in the squad. That's not our situation. It's a puzzle, but our strongest team for sure.
"If we want to go to the semi-final we have to fight for it."
Under Klopp, Liverpool have risen to sixth in the Premier League standings and are within striking distance of a top four spot.
The German has also led the Reds into the last 32 of the Europa League, while beating Southampton tomorrow would book a League Cup semi-final spot for a side on the up.
