Jurgen Klopp has addressed his decision not to substitute Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in the Reds' dead rubber UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday.
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The Merseysiders drew 1-1 with FC Midtylland this week, and the Egyptian forward was a surprise inclusion in the team. Salah did make an impact though, scoring in the first minute of the game, and went on to play the full 90 minutes.
Klopp had five substitutes to make use of, something he has been calling for in the Premier League, and there were questions as to why he did not opt to rest one of his key stars in Salah.
"You can make changes but you need a few key positions," Klopp said, according to the Independent. "It could have been one of the other three regular forwards to play up front for 90 minutes as well.
"In the last line, that was the reason why Fabinho played 45 minutes there. In midfield, usually it would probably have been Naby Keita, but he hasn't played that often so couldn't fulfil the role and needs minutes now again.
"That was the decision for Mo and how the game developed and how the game looked, Mo looked fine so that's why we didn't take him off.
"Even though players don't play that much, it is difficult to get through 90 minutes after a pretty long time when you don't play 90 minutes.
"I was in contact with Mo and he didn't have any issues, which is why he stayed on the pitch."
Klopp also showered the Egypt talisman with praise following his record-breaking showing, during which he became Liverpool's top goalscorer in their Champions League history.
"One record after another. I didn't know he could break his record tonight, but I'm pretty sure he is proud of that, he should be," the German tactician added.
"An exceptional player, an absolutely exceptional player. Since we were together he helps the team the way he knows and appreciates the help of the team as well.
"If it was only the incredible number of his goals it would not be enough to be successful, so thank God others scored a lot of goals as well and made this team successful.
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"But Mo is a very exceptional player. Nobody doubted it but if you need numbers to prove, he delivers that as well."
