Liverpool manager Klopp openly called Ekitic a foolish striker, while Isaac is expected to take his place.

Liverpool's wealth was tested this summer. Initially, their top target for the striker position was Isaac, last season’s Premier League silver boot winner, but Newcastle, also competing in the Champions League, refused to release him. Liverpool then settled for signing Frankfurt forward Ekitic at a high cost. Isaac kept boycotting training and matches, and finally Newcastle agreed to let him go, so Liverpool completed his signing. Because Isaac missed the preseason and the first three Premier League rounds, Ekitic, who joined earlier, became Liverpool’s main striker. However, this might change in the League Cup midweek, where Isaac is expected to officially take over.

Here’s what happened: in the third round of the League Cup, Liverpool won 2-1 at home against Championship side Southampton, with Ekitic scoring the winning goal after the 85th minute. The assist came from Chiesa, who ignored a clear chance to shoot himself and instead set up Ekitic for an open goal. Already on a yellow card, Ekitic chose to celebrate by taking off his shirt rather than celebrating with Chiesa, which led to a second yellow and a red card, reducing Liverpool to ten men. Fortunately, Liverpool held on to the lead. However, Ekitic will be suspended for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match away at Crystal Palace, weakening their attacking options.

Firmino, who ran over wanting to celebrate together, was stunned, his doubtful look as if he was watching a foolish teammate. Firmino must have been thinking, how can a teammate be so silly?

At the post-match press conference, Liverpool’s manager didn’t hold back, bluntly stating that a player who celebrates by taking off his shirt like Ekitic is always foolish. Regarding Chiesa’s ignored assist, Klopp said he would be the first to celebrate such a goal. In short, Klopp said Ekitic lacks sense, and perhaps Isaac will now step up to become Liverpool’s main striker this season.