Jurgen Klopp lauded the impact his five Liverpool changes had as the Reds claimed a dogged 1-0 Premier League win away at Newcastle.
The manager’s squad depth in this latter stage of the season has aided the Reds’ push for a potential quadruple. What’s more, Klopp has been keen to utilise his options and their latest result took them – perhaps only temporarily – top of the league table.
Midfielder Naby Keita was one such player who came in after Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Villarreal. The Guinea international scored what turned out to be a first-half winner.
James Milner also came into the midfield, with Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho dropped to the bench. Milner too had a solid impact. Furthermore, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah in the team.
Speaking to BT Sport after the win at St James’ Park, Klopp lauded his changes for helping seal the victory.
“The impact we have from the bench in games is outstanding, but now it’s coming from the bench before a game pretty much,” the manager said. “We expect a lot, but the boys have to deliver.
“It’s outstanding. Joe Gomez, what a game, Naby Keita, what a game, James Milner, what a game.
“That’s mentioning three. Who didn’t start up front [against Villarreal]? Diogo Jota, oh my God, what a game. And then Joel Matip of course as well.”
But, Klopp revealed his delight at continuing to rely on the likes of left-back Andy Robertson to perform.
“The other five or six had to go through again and you see Andy Robertson in minute 93, 150mph sprint going down. That’s absolutely exceptional,” the German said.
“You cannot really defend them properly because it’s long balls. You go there, you have to fight for the ball, foul or no foul, they kick the ball in behind. It’s really difficult to get a feel for the game.
“But that’s not the first time it’s happened, so I really thought we dealt with it…