Jurgen Klopp discussed the substitution of Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge‘s superb late equaliser after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday night.
Sturridge’s equaliser two minutes from time was a decisive impact from the forward who chalked up his 50th league goal for the Reds, having also scored against his former side in the League Cup in midweek.
It means that the 29-year-old has four goals for the season, joint top for the Reds with Sadio Mane.
“Four days ago he had a really similar situation and hit the crossbar,” said Klopp. “He is a fantastic footballer and he had a full pre-season. He’s in the best shape since I’ve known him.
“It’s really cool. I’m really happy for him.
“When he came in the dressing room it was pretty loud. The boys were really happy for him because he’s in a good moment.”
While Sturridge will be delighted with his efficient four-minute cameo, last season’s top scorer Salah was subbed on 66 minutes after missing some good chances.
Asked if it was a tactical sub, Klopp said “changes when nobody’s injured are always tactical. He was not injured.”
“It was not Mo’s best game of his career, 100 per cent,” Klopp said.
“In a game like this constantly in situations he comes in, that makes you a world class player. You fail, you miss, whatever, that happens.
“He wants to be decisive, he wants to score in these situations.
“The first ball he missed it was not the right position. The next one he passed. Why? He could’ve finished again.
“It’s like riding a bike. It’s not like you wake up in the morning and you cannot finish any more or cannot ride a bike any more.”
The manager felt his side had the better of the chances, explaining: “Six, seven times we had big chances.
“We gave them one proper chance, they used it and we didn’t use ours. That’s how life is.
“As long as we play like we did tonight we will win football games.”
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