Following a 1-0 win on Liverpool FC by Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the UEFA Champions League round 16 first leg played on Tuesday night, Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp has reacted to the defeat and also given an update on two of his key players substituted iduring the match.
Naija News recalls that furious Jurgen Klopp has substituted his Senegalese player, Sadio Mane who was handed a yellow card during the match.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker, Michael Owen, has predicted the clash between English Premier League side, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Owen while speaking with Sport Review said: “Liverpool goes into Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium with almost fully fit squad where they won their sixth Champions League trophy last June.”
“However, I see Liverpool leaving Spain with a draw to take back to England,” said Owen.
Reacting to the defeat, Klopp stated that he had to substitute Mane because it was obvious to him that Atletico had planned to frustrate him earning a yellow card which could affect his moves on the pitch.
He said “I substituted Sadio Mane because he was targeted to get another yellow card after he received the first one,” Klopp told BT Sport.
“He played very well in the first half, and what Atletico Madrid players wanted was to make sure Mane got a yellow card, so it was a tactical decision.”
Speaking further, Klopp said that The Reds’ skipper, Henderson had sustained a hamstring injury and could not risk it on the pitch.
“He sustained a hamstring injury which I hope was a precaution. I am a hundred per cent sure but will have to wait and see,” he said.
Liverpool fans, as usual, cheered the players and hoped for a win against Atletico at Anfield in their second leg clash.
However, the UEFA Champions League winners are set out to play West Ham United on Monday, February 24, in the English Premier League at Anfield.
