The Liverpool gaffer explains Mohamed Salah substitution in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Manchester City
Mohamed Salah came off the pitch just moments before added time against Manchester City. Liverpool’s goal-scorer in the 1-0 win vs Manchester City made way for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was until that point was sidelined due to injury.
Salah, earlier scored the goal in the 76th minute from an Alisson Becker assist. The Reds showed tremendous courage to hold off Man City in the fashion that they did. The backline was tremendous against City’s forwards. James Milner starting at right-back was extremely good, and Joe Gomez was excellent at keeping Erling Haaland quiet.
In the 72nd minute though, Liverpool were getting ready for a triple substitution to introduce Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Jordan Henderson for Harvey Elliott, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho respectively. However, there was an error on the sidelines with the fourth official mistakenly showing Salah’s number.
Here is what Jurgen Klopp told reporters, explaining the situation:
“I really find this question interesting. Tell me your thoughts about that,” the German told reporters after the final whistle. “You think we put the 11 up so Mo has to get subbed but comes to me and says he doesn’t want to leave the pitch? How could that happen? What is the logical explanation for that? Yes, wrong number on the plate.”
“I wanted to talk to Mo because his role changed. Darwin came on and Mo played 10 around Darwin and Darwin was running in behind. Mo was disappointed because he saw the number but I didn’t know about the 11 on the board. When I saw that, we could change it.”
Statement win for the Reds vs in-form Man City
Basically, the fourth official mistook Salah running towards Klopp for instructions as a signal of substitution and entered his number on the board. However, Liverpool had enough time to get it correct, which was accomplished eventually.
Later, a few minutes after Salah broke the deadlock, Klopp was subject to a red card for extensive appeal. In the heat of the moment, the gaffer’s ranting to the officials for not calling a foul on Salah, for which he saw a red card.
The game though came at a good time for Liverpool, who will for sure be confident heading into the rest of the season after giving Pep Guardiola’s side their first defeat of the season. Currently eighth on the table, the Reds would be eager to build on this and take the momentum deep into the season.
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- Luis Figo talks about his potential transfer to Liverpool and how the club botched the chance to sign him
- Manchester City star Bernardo Silva slams referee Anthony Taylor for Phil Foden’s disallowed goal vs Liverpool
Liverpool will play West Ham United on Thursday this week followed by Nottingham Forest on the weekend. Hopefully, the Reds get back-to-back wins to strengthen their position on the points table.
