Liverpool mentor Jurgen Klopp says taking Mohamed Salah off against Sheffield United was the masterstroke as they managed to bag a 3-1 win. Klopp admitted he was happy with the impact made by him as he replaced Salah in the win as his starting eleven was not working out.
Liverpool scooped the lead through Darwin Nunez who gave the Reds the lead in the first half and they were in control of the match. However, they failed to maintain their control up until Conor Bradley put through his net to level the matters.
The draw led to Klopp deciding to replace Salah while Ryan Gravenberch came off for Harvey Elliott and Andy Robertson.
Liverpool: Klopp on Changes and Salah Subbing
The German and Liverpool boss, Klopp’s decision left Salah frustrated, he walked off looking miserable, not even looking at Klopp as he took his seat on the bench. As Liverpool were searching for the winner, Klopp made two more changes in a desperate move for goals and a win. He took off Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez who were replaced by Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo – Klopp now reacts to the changes.
The moves brought relief to the Liverpool manager as they went back in front with 13 minutes to go, Alexis Mac Alliste scored a blockbuster strike from outside the box. Liverpool were below par based on their standards but wrapped up the three points through substitute Gakpo late on in the clash. “Our general game until I think we made the changes was not great. We have to admit,” he told TNT Sports.
“It’s tricky, we had such a low block [from Sheffield United] but you have to do better. I’m really pleased for Cody [Gakpo] who came on and was incredibly good on the ball, scored a wonderful goal. Robbo [Andy Robertson] good, Harvey [Elliott] good, Curtis [Jones] good. They were really helpful and that’s how it is; you have to change games from the bench when needed and so I’m really happy with that.”
Liverpool Skipper: Virgil Van Dijk on the Win
In the wake of the victory, the Reds returned to the summit of the log standings, one point above second-place Arsenal and two ahead of Manchester City in third. The Liverpool and Dutch international believes the victory is gigantic in the three-way race for the title this season.
“You don’t want to have any dropped points, you don’t want to have any sort of slip-ups,” Van Dijk told TNT Sports. What we can influence is only our performances and try to win and that’s the main focus. We can watch other teams at this stage but there’s no point.”
Liverpool: What’s Next for the Reds
The former English Premier League and UEFA Champions League champions will turn their attention to the clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
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