The Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has clarified his choice to replace Mohamed Salah during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.
Salah displayed visible frustration upon being signaled to leave the pitch.
Speaking after the match, Klopp stated that he did not anticipate the Egyptian to be pleased with his decision.
Salah, who had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, was aiming to score in Liverpool’s first game of the season for the seventh consecutive year.
“I comprehend that if Mo had scored, it would have set a new record for goals scored in the opening game, but I didn’t take that into consideration. We required stability and fresh players. It was incredibly intense for everyone. That’s all I can say about it; his response was entirely acceptable.
“If I substitute a player and he leaps into my arms at 1-1, being a striker who believes he will score, I would be genuinely astonished, so that’s absolutely fine,” Klopp declared.