Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool were “not great” until the Reds manager made substitutions during the second half of their 3-1 win at home to Sheffield United which sent them top of the table.
Darwin Nunez gave the hosts the lead but Conor Bradley’s own-goal drew the bottom side level two minutes before Klopp made his first two changes, surprisingly replacing top scorer Mohamed Salah with Harvey Elliott.
Andy Robertson, who supplied the cross for Cody Gakpo to head Liverpool’s third after a sensational Alexis Mac Allister strike made it 2-1, also supplanted Ryan Gravenberch in the accompanying change.
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“I know it’s difficult but you have to do better,” said Klopp, singling out “accelerations” and “the dynamic” while speaking to TNT Sports about the qualities he wanted to improve in his side.
“Our general play, until we made the changes, was not great. That’s what we have to admit.
“Not enough tempo – it’s tricky against such a low block. Robbo came on and we used the wings. 4-4-2 helped as well. That was the gamechanger.”
“Macca miss-hit the ball and it went in the top corner” 🤣
How did Jurgen Klopp feel after 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 goal from Alexis Mac Allister? 🚀
🎙 @laura_woodsy pic.twitter.com/f7o3tdlGaw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2024
Mac Allister goal ‘mishit’
Klopp joked that Mac Allister’s swerving first-time shot to put Liverpool ahead for a second time was “mishit”.
“You have to change games from the bench when needed, so I’m happy with that,” he added. “We changed the dynamic of the game and that was a little bit too much for Sheffield.”
Centre-back Virgil van Dijk is part of a team who are three points clear of Manchester City and two above Arsenal.
“Their plan was obviously to get us on the break,” the Netherlands international said of the Blades.
“We had to be aware, make sure the organisation is perfect and not try to rush things. Before they scored, we were rushing a bit and trying to find the most difficult pass.
Liverpool had 83.1% possession tonight. A new Premier League record 📚 pic.twitter.com/yVCqSYl4Vx
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2024
“When we conceded, we changed into a completely different team and started attacking, creating a lot of chances and overlaps and difficult moments for them.
“We have to start games better and be a lot more aggressive. At this stage, it’s all about the points – you can’t drop anything.
“You don’t want any dropped points or slip-ups. That’s the main focus. We can watch other teams but at this point, there’s no point.
“There will be nervy moments. You have to stay calm and don’t try to rush things. You have to enjoy it as well. These boys are doing incredibly.”
