Klopp made nine changes to his squad for a trip to St. Mary’s on Wednesday (AEST), where Liverpool really had to win to keep hopes of winning the Premier League.
Despite the fact that the “reds” were behind Nathan Redmond, Takumi Minamino pulled them out with an equal before the start, and Joel Matip’s head secured a huge three points.
Minamina also scored in his last preliminary start of the Premier League for Liverpool – a 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace in December 2020. This 514-day gap between scoring points in consecutive starts for the Premier League club was the longest of Duncan Ferguson’s 533 days for Everton from April 2002 to September 2003.
Klopp was proud of the result and said that any further success won by the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, Liverpool this season is due to the deep strength they possess.
“I’m very excited to perform, it was a little touching, to be honest,” Klopp said.
“These guys, it’s like having a Ferrari in the garage. Harvey [Elliott], I’m not sure when he last played. Curtis [Jones], without rhythm, he played from time to time. Takumi Minamino, it’s a crime he doesn’t play more often. Oxlade [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] didn’t even play and he’s in great shape.
“It’s really hard for the guys, but everything that’s happening this year has happened because of this group. It’s exceptional, and tonight they showed it again. “
Klopp added Sky Sports: “I’ve never had a band like that. Because we win most of the time, not many things you can really argue about. But there are two ways you can handle it: you give up, or you fulfill your role in the group and this group is constantly pushing each other.
“After all, it’s absolutely great. We came here and had to do what we did, and it worked out thanks to the guys. ”
During the break, Joe Gomez was worried about the injury and did not return in the second half. The bedbug hoped the defender would avoid serious injury, although he reportedly left the stadium on crutches.
“I hope we were lucky. Joe himself is in pain, but not too much, but it was really like a shock to the system,” Klopp said.
“He was sitting in the dressing room when I talked to him, he was in a good mood, so I think we were probably lucky, but we have to figure it out.”
Liverpool are one point behind leaders Manchester City and will have to beat the Wolves at Anfield on Sunday to have any chance of winning the Premier League.
At the same time, City will entertain Aston Villa, but Klopp has no plans to talk to Steven Gerard before he enters Etihad Stadium.
“No, of course not… No reason to talk to him [Gerrard]. We all know that Villa wants to win because Villa wants to win, ”Klopp said.
“We have to win our game first, we can’t talk about wolves as if there won’t be any. It’s hard enough.
“Imagine we went there with one ear to Manchester and [Raul] Jimenez heads the ball. We will be focused on 100 percent.
“So much has happened this second half of the season. If we become champions, it will also be deserved, but for that we have to win.”
https://www.beinsports.com/au/premier-league/news/klopp-likens-bench-to-ferraris-in-the-garage/1884011
