‘Didn’t understand that’: Jurgen Klopp’s former player confused by what Liverpool boss did against Benfica

Add as preferred source on Google

Jose Enrique couldn’t get his head around Jurgen Klopp’s substitutions for Liverpool against Benfica last night.

Filming his own ‘full time review’ video on Twitter, Enrique said he wasn’t sure Klopp’s changes were needed given Liverpool’s hectic schedule.

“What I’m not happy about is the changes,” said the former left-back, who played under Klopp at Liverpool.

“I don’t know why we bring on Salah, Fabinho, Thiago, Mane – who I believe was one yellow away to miss the first-leg of the semi final.

“I would have 100% given them a rest today. At the end the most important thing is nothing happened, we are through and that’s all, but I didn’t really understand that, it wasn’t needed.”

It was a little odd to see the players Enrique mentioned being lined up with The Reds’ progression looking virtually certain.

There will have been method in Klopp’s approach though. The boss likely wants his first-choice eleven for the game against Manchester City to have a little rhythm heading into the weekend.

Liverpool’s ‘frightening’ bench

Although slightly perplexing, Liverpool’s changes on the night did serve to highlight the strength of the squad.

Look at the calibre of player that Klopp was able to call on from the bench. Thiago, Fabinho, Salah and Mane. Those are some incredible options to have.

That’s before you consider that the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Virgil Van Dijk didn’t even get on the pitch.

With prospects like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones also involved, Liverpool are looking as well stocked as any side on the planet right now.

Rio Ferdinand certainly seems to think so. Speaking on BT Sport after the game, Rio said the Reds bench last night was ‘frightening.’

“Their bench today was frightening,” said Ferdinand. “I looked at their bench today and I thought wow, I don’t know if I’ve seen many better benches than that. It was just a who’s who of top, top drawer players.”

The talent on the pitch wasn’t bad either. As best highlighted by Kostas Tsimikas’ two assist, Man of the Match display, Klopp can now rest first-choice players without the worry that it’ll drastically weaken his team.

It makes a nice change for the Liverpool manager. All of those players will still have a part to play this season as The Reds hunt for the quadruple marches on.

Keep up to date with all the latest Liverpool news and opinion by following Rousing The Kop’s official Facebook page