Fabinho speaks out after being benched by Jurgen Klopp.

Fabinho says he was fully aware of the battle he faced to cement a place in Liverpool’s team after being benched for the Premier League opener.

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was one of Liverpool’s marquee summer signings but he was left on the bench for the home match against West Ham on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Fabinho had endured a difficult pre-season and opted to start Naby Keita, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum in his midfield.

‘When I came to Liverpool I knew this competition would exist in midfield and I think it’s really good for the team,’ Fabinho told Premier League Productions.

‘If anything happens to a player, there’s adequate cover. During pre-season I played alongside a variety of different players and we blended really well.
‘So, overall, I think it’s a good thing for the team.’

Before the West Ham fixture, Fabinho has featured in all nine of Liverpool’s summer friendlies and says he is adapting well to the nuances of playing under Klopp.

‘I think my performances have been good,’ he added.
‘It’s a different playing style than at Monaco; there were two of us in midfield there and here at Liverpool there’s three.
‘My midfield partners have given me guidance and assistance, as have the defence. I knew [my role] would change and I feel I’ve adapted well.

‘You seek guidance and help from the players around you and that has worked really well up until now.’
Liverpool confirmed they had signed Fabinho, a former French title winner, just two days after the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

And the 24-year-old insists he has settled into life at Anfield well, despite still awaiting his first competitive match for his new club.

‘It has been really good since I arrived here,’ Fabinho said.
‘The players and the coaching staff have been brilliant. I have been able to fit in really well with the club, the training and games we’ve played have been good.'