Jurgen Klopp not scared to do what is ‘needed’ as Liverpool re-take top spot

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlights substitutions that changed the game amid angry reaction from Mohamed Salah

Jurgen Klopp explained the substitutions requirement to beat Sheffield United despite invoking anger from Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Liverpool beat Sheffield United 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday to retain the top spot in the Premier League table.

Darwin Nunez provided a 1-0 lead in the first half after chasing down the goalkeeper for a critical mistake. Despite the dominance from the Reds, they conceded from a Conor Bradley own goal in the 58^th minute.

Liverpool squandered numerous chances before the Blades equalised, stirring a sense of urgency from the home side. Klopp immediately brought Salah and Ryan Gravenberch off for Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott to tactically change their approach.

Salah showed visible disapproval during the substitution despite struggling to break Sheffield and missing numerous chances to add more goals. The Egypt captain is the best attacker in the team but he has struggled with his finishing recently.

Klopp told TNT Sports (h/t Mirror) that the team needed changes to counter the low-block tactics that Sheffield deployed.  He said:

“Our general game until I think we made the changes was not great. That’s what we have to admit. 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.”

The substitutes helped the Reds score two goals and secure three important points to retain the top spot. Salah celebrated the second goal from Alexis Mac Allister from the bench, showing that he immediately recovered from his anger.

Klopp has made impressive use of substitutes this season, regularly changing tactics to get the right results. Another substitute Cody Gakpo scored the third goal for Liverpool in the 90^th minute to secure the victory.

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Eight games remain in the Premier League and Salah has a pivotal role to play in them. The Reds cannot afford to be complacent or lose their composure as plenty of teams will play low-block tactics to frustrate them.