Jurgen Klopp now shares the reason why he took Ibrahima Konate off at half-time last night

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Jurgen Klopp has added some context to his substitutions during Liverpool’s loss against Union Saint-Gilloise yesterday.

It was a disappointing evening for the Reds, as they went down 2-1 to the Belgian league leaders on Thursday. All the goals were scored in the first-half, with a heavily rotated Liverpool side looking a little toothless.

In truth, any one of the eleven who started the game couldn’t have argued with being hauled off after 45. But in the end Klopp opted to change Ibrahima Konate and Wataru Endo for Joe Gomez and Ryan Gravenberch.

Given Konate has been a little injury-prone of late, some may have been worried about a fitness issue for the Frenchman. But speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp confirmed that both changes had been tactical.

“We just wanted to share the intensity,” said the manager. “Do I want to play Joe Gomez 90 or Ibou 90 if we had the chance to do that? [I decided] 45 and 45, the same in midfield. These changes were planned before the game, independent of the result. We just tried to give it a go.

“It was clear that Jarell [Quansah] if he could play through then he would play through. That was the thinking behind it.”

Klopp taking no risks

When the team sheet for yesterday’s game dropped, a few Liverpool supporters must have been a little surprised.

It had been expected that Klopp might even hold off playing any of his senior stars at all.

With qualification and top spot in the group already confirmed, there was no need to risk anyone ahead of the Manchester United clash on Sunday.

By and large, Klopp did that. A number of youngsters were given game time, with a sprinkling of senior talent mixed in.

But the one man who Liverpool fans could have perhaps done without seeing out in Belgium was Konate.

The 24-year-old has been struggling with injuries this term and with Joel Matip now out for the season, we badly need him to stay fit.

As a result, it was a relief to see Konate come through the first-half unscathed and then be withdrawn.

In all honesty, Ibou looked a little like he could’ve done without the game himself, too. Left exposed by his young full-backs, the big man had a tough night before being replaced. Hopefully he’ll be ready for Sunday, with another 45 in his legs.