Jurgen Klopp unrepentant over Liverpool changes
Sunday 9 April 2017 12:46, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stood by his decision to rest Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino for the 2-1 win at Stoke on Saturday.
Klopp revealed after the game that playmaker Coutinho had lost 3kg in three days through illness, while Firmino was left out as he was suffering from fatigue.
The Reds boss opted instead to field an inexperienced starting XI and an an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation at the Bet365 Stadium before calling on his supersubs to secure victory after the break, having fallen behind to Jonathan Walters' near-post header.
"The first half was actually not as good as we thought we could be," said Klopp.
"We made a change to the system but we couldn't train it and that is what everyone could see - everyone did not feel comfortable in the system.
"Defending was not a problem but we didn't defend like we normally do; we couldn't go high pressure.
"We saw we couldn't change the system in the second half, although we did a little bit offensively and created chances."
Klopp's hand was forced and at half-time he substituted teenagers Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold after they struggled to make a positive impact on proceedings.
That led to the introduction of Brazilian duo Coutinho and Firmino at the break, despite the manager having decided with the sports science team before the game that were only good for about 30 minutes of football.
The reaction was instantaneous and, following the introduction of their third attacking option in Daniel Sturridge - himself not ready for 45 minutes of action after injury - the match was turned on its head in a little over two minutes as Coutinho's penalty area strike was followed by a stunning volley by his compatriot from 25 yards.
"You saw in the second half we were brilliant. Brilliant but for half-an-hour it was difficult," added Klopp.
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"It was not the plan to change twice at half-time. Offensive options were difficult because for Daniel [playing from] half-time is really long in an intense game like this.
"I thought a lot about it and no one understands it but that was my decision.
"I thought we could have played much better than we did but it was clear bringing them on for half-an-hour made sense and they could decide the game.
"It was lucky for us because of the first half but it was deserved and we are completely happy and fine with this game."
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