Some Liverpool fans took exception to some tactical decisions that manager Jurgen Klopp made during his side’s 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The Reds fell to a fourth-minute goal from Saul Niguez as the La Liga outfit took the early initiative in the Champions League last-16 affair. After facing a resolute and resilient side led by Diego Simeone, the German tactician’s team failed to register a single shot on target at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Liverpool famously won their sixth European crown last June.
Klopp decided to bring on Divock Origi at half-time in place of Sadio Mane, who was on a booking, and James Milner to take over from Jordan Henderson who had picked up a knock. This meant leaving £52.75m signing Naby Keita and their latest capture Takumi Minamino on the bench.
Unsurprisingly, supporters were not impressed and made their feelings clear on social media. One fan said that it was one of Jurgen Klopp’s poorest showings by bringing on Milner instead of Keita or Minamino.
Check out some of the best Twitter responses down below…
Klopp doesn’t give Shaqiri the respect he deserves. He plays likes of Lallana, Milner, Henderson ahead of better players like Shaqiri, Keita or Minamino, which is the most negative thing about Klopp. Hope he learns soon before its too late. Or its goodbye Champions League2020
— Sam M (@bs_mathias) February 19, 2020
Klopp never does it . I’m always against this attitude of his. Brought on origi milner and ox as so called game changers but wouldn’t bring keita on
— Sayam Ghosh (@SayamG8) February 19, 2020
I was quite surprised to see Klopp bring on Milner instead of Keita for the 3rd sub…was he protecting Keita’s load?
— Zach Baker (@zacharytbaker) February 19, 2020
Completely agree, one of the poorest showings from Klopp In a long time, Keita should’ve come on and shouldn’t of been conservative taking Mane off, Milner and Chambo coming on at 1-0 down 🤮
— Charlie (@CharliePiper99) February 18, 2020
Klopp knows more than we do but I can’t understand why Milner and not Keita replaced Henderson when injured. For those exact reasons. https://t.co/NNzY9VSqNL
— Jason Galvin (@Galv_LFC) February 18, 2020
Me at Klopp’s game plan and subs pic.twitter.com/gW52LsTM9H
— Salma (@sxlmss) February 18, 2020
Negative game from both sides… Klopp’s subs were bizarre and did not help. Though, it’s not over yet.
Up the Reds! #ATLLIV #YNWA pic.twitter.com/inCRnGIjpk
— Ma7amed | ⵎⵓⵃⴰⵎⴰⴷ 🇱🇾 (@libscouser) February 18, 2020
Klopp wasn’t right if you think keita should have played. And yes he should have because Trent and Robertson were creating nothing.
Since when does milner “balance” a Midfield more than keita?
And a liverpool team looking for a goal without mane&salah?? 😥
— Planet origi (@Gerald_yea) February 18, 2020
Liverpool fans! What did you make of Jurgen Klopp’s substitutions? Join the discussion by commenting below…
