---
title: "Phillips likely to return to Stuttgart on loan, admits Klopp"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/phillips-likely-to-return-to-stuttgart-on-loan-admits-klopp/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-01-10T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-01-10T14:00:00Z"
---

# Phillips likely to return to Stuttgart on loan, admits Klopp

Jurgen Klopp says Nathaniel Phillips is likely to return to Stuttgart on loan this month.

The 22-year-old [returned](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11896112/liverpool-recall-nathaniel-phillips-from-stuttgart-for-defensive-cover) to Liverpool in December, due to a lack of centre-back options for the Reds.

Injuries to [Joel Matip](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2019/10/major-blow-for-liverpool-with-joel-matip-ruled-out-for-6-weeks/) and [Dejan Lovren](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/377917-dejan-lovren-injury-update) meant their only two fit central defenders were Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

Phillips played [all 90 minutes against Everton last weekend](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/51001318), making his Liverpool debut in the process.

[Speaking](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/382109-nathaniel-phillips-likely-to-resume-stuttgart-loan-spell) to reporters on Friday, Klopp admitted a swift return to Stuttgart is on the cards:

> First of all, it’s really great, it’s just nice to have him around again because he’s such an exceptional person.

> He made a lot of interesting experience in the city where I was born; I know the people there and he enjoys it a lot.

> Probably he will go back but we have to see exactly. But, yes, probably.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

I think this is a decision that makes perfect sense.

Phillips was drafted in as an emergency option, but with Matip and Lovren [nearing a return](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2020/01/jurgen-klopps-mixed-injury-update-as-boss-suggests-unpredictable-lineup-vs-spurs/) to first-team action, his chances will be extremely limited.

With Fabinho also capable of playing at centre-back, it is difficult to see where he would get an opportunity to shine.

I believe that Phillips will benefit more from getting regular playing time in Germany, rather than playing for Liverpool’s Under-23s.

The standard and level of competitiveness is higher at the 2.Bundesliga club, which we feel, will allow Phillips to mature more as a player.

He will come up against superior strikers, both in terms of physicality and quality, which again, in our opinion, will only test him more as a player.