Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has invited his players to join a Christmas meal for his backroom staff after learning that the squad had cancelled their own party.

The Reds decided not to hold a full party for the third year in a row due to their busy festive schedule, which includes four fixtures in 14 days, but Klopp has now insisted that they instead come to his team's Christmas lunch in Southport next week.

"The players decided that they would have to cancel their Christmas party for the third season in a row because of the schedule," a source told the Liverpool Echo. "They usually postpone it until the New Year – but we have a minimum of seven games in January, so that idea was also abandoned.

"Jurgen heard one of the players saying he had never been to a Christmas party in March before – and he decided he didn't want them missing out.

"The manager of ­Liverpool traditionally hosts a lunch for his backroom team and the club's staff. Jurgen was insistent that this time the players should be invited – along with their wives and partners."

Liverpool sit 10th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday afternoon's game with West Bromwich Albion at Anfield.