Klopp's mid-game mistake against LASK that could have hurt Salah

The German manager made a decision that many felt was not the right one during the game

30/11/2023, 09:47 PM +00:00

It was a straightforward game for Liverpool on Thursday at Anfield in the fifth round of the Europa League group stage where they won convincingly against Austrian side LASK Linz with great performances from players like Mohamed Salah and Dutchman Cody Gakpo, but German coach Jurgen Klopp made a decision that for many was not the right one and could have affected the Egyptian Pharaoh.

The first goal of the match was scored by Colombian Luis Diaz in the 12th minute with a header after a great cross from defender Joe Gomez, who came on as a substitute for Trent Alexander Arnold at right-back. Dutchman Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool's second goal in the 15th minute to set the Reds on their way to a comfortable victory.

In the second half, Egypt's Mohamed Salah stepped up to convert Cody Gakpo's penalty against the Dutchman into a goal. The Egyptian's strike took his tally to 199 goals for Liverpool, confirming him as the third highest scorer in the club's history behind only Roger Hunt with 261 goals and Wales' Ian Rush's 363.

Klopp's mistake

However, the German manager Jurgen Klopp made a decision that many felt was wrong as immediately after Salah scored his goal, he was replaced by Uruguayan Darwin Nunez, taking away the chance for him to score his 200th goal and be celebrated at Anfield in an international tournament. However, the decision was made to protect him ahead of Sunday's Premier League matchday 16 fixture when Liverpool host Fulham in a game that could make history.