Jurgen Klopp has no right to “moan about fixture congestion”, according to some Liverpool fans on Twitter, after the manager picked first team players for the Champions League ‘dead rubber’ against Midtjylland last night. Criticism was especially aimed at the decision to allow Mohamed Salah to play a full game.
Liverpool had already booked their place in the last-16 of the competition and topped the group ahead of Atalanta and Ajax.
Nevertheless, Klopp fielded a strong line-up that included talisman Salah and regulars Fabinho and Diogo Jota.
The Liverpool boss also introduced significant names Andrew Robertson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson in the second half.
Fixture congestion
Klopp has publicly criticised the Premier League and broadcasting companies this season regarding scheduling of games.
He has insisted the short turnaround between games has affected several clubs in terms of injuries and fitness, especially those clubs playing in European competitions.
The Reds have suffered an injury crisis this season including the loss of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in the long term, plus fitness woes for Fabinho, Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara.
Regardless, Salah’s inclusion paid immediate dividends as the Egyptian scored in the opening minute to become the club’s record goalscorer in the competition.
Salah plays 98 minutes
With eight minutes of additional time in the second half, some fans on Twitter were quick to question Klopp’s decision:
Other Liverpool fans disagreed, however, guessing the decision to play was down to Salah wanting to break the goalscoring record.
Yet they were still wary of the forward picking up an injury:
Liverpool’s next fixture sees the Reds travel down to London. The side takes on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, kick-off 4.30pm.
- £25m Everton midfielder discusses potential move away from Goodison Park
- Photo: £9m Aston Villa man missing since March spotted back on the training field
- Are Ms Banks and Lawrence Okolie still an item?
- ‘Not again’: Some Arsenal fans really worried about Europa League update they’ve read
- Washington Sundar: India star’s hearing condition and unusual name explained