Pat Nevin praised Jurgen Klopp on BBC Radio 5 Live (16/2, 21:19) for introducing Liverpool stars Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson and Luis Diaz at Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Klopp took drastic measures in the 59th-minute to turn the tide at the San Siro by making a triple change. He had already made one substitution against the Serie A title-holders after replacing Diogo Jota with Roberto Firmino after the Portuguese sustained an ankle injury.
Inter Milan controlled much of the last 16 first-leg tie, but failed to make their pressure pay before Liverpool responded. Firmino gave the Reds the lead in the 75th-minute by glancing his header past Samir Handanovic. Mohamed Salah’s deflected shot then doubled the gap.
Nevin believes Klopp was right to replace Sadio Mane, Fabinho and Harvey Elliott with Diaz, Keita and Henderson at once. The former Scotland forward felt the Reds had lost too much control and had to respond as Inter were restricting Liverpool’s attack to mere passengers.
“It absolutely makes sense these Liverpool changes,” he said. “I cannot believe how much this game has changed. Jurgen Klopp needed to do something.”
Liverpool triple sub of Keita, Diaz, Henderson worked wonders vs Inter Milan
Inter Milan came close to breaking the deadlock a few times before Klopp introduced Diaz, Keita and Henderson for Liverpool. The Nerazzurri had the better of the Reds in most areas and regularly asked questions of the Anfield side. But ultimately did not have the answers.
Liverpool now hold a 2-0 lead ahead of their Champions League last 16 second-leg against Inter Milan on March 8. And Klopp can thank Diaz, Henderson and Keita for helping to turn the tide at the San Siro. Diaz, in particularly, proved a constant threat after his introduction.
Keita also helped the Merseysiders to establish a stronger foothold in the engine room with his added composure. Henderson, likewise, added bite in the core with some big tackles. But the Reds boss will have wanted more from Firmino, outside of the Brazilian’s goal.
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