02 May 2019 09:27:59
I will probably get hammered for this but I for one am disappointed that we lost but not unhappy.
By this I mean you always learn more in defeat then victory and it was unlucky for us that it came in such a big game but going forward that loss will do us the world of good
I prefer to say we were by far the better team overall on the night and not many can say that against a Barcelona team usually.
Also we now know what a true world class player can do for the middle of the park and hopefully this will spur us on to go and find our own.

1.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 09:56:17
Has Klopp learned anything about squad utilisation? He must be a ‘slow learner’.

{Ed001's Note - well he is rotating the midfield, as he has options there. He has rotated the full backs when he could. Not sure what more you could want from him? I mean he has rested forwards when he could and the performances have been awful so why the sudden digs Ron? I could understand if they made sense but he has been rotating.}

2.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 10:21:20
I don’t have the numbers to back up my argument ed but I’d guess that 8-9 of our 25 man registered league squad have played less than 5% of the minutes in the league.

I’d like him to use the fringe players more and when the points are in the bag I’d like him to use his 3 subs and get Bobby, Mane or Salah off the pitch. I know they want goal records but the team has to come first.

Subs are a constant irritation but the squad utilisation is something that I’ve been going on about since mid last season. It’s not a sudden dig.

3.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 10:55:12
Maybe the result is still a bit raw and the lack of Bobby.
On reflection what Ed001 says about the midfield seem correct, Klopp has tried to rotate there.

It’s the forwards that annoys me. I know people will say that Origi and Sturridge aren’t good enough when they get their chance but I think that’s unfair.
There have been many examples of poor performers who have come good when given a regular chance in the team - Wijnaldum, Matip, Keita, Fabinho.

You can’t expect a player to sit on the bench and play no competitive football all season but then to turn it on when they’re given 1 game or 1 half in Origi’s case. They’re not match fit, it’s like coming back from a long term injury in a way.
Klopp needs to rotate our forwards, they give so much when they’re on the pitch that it’s unsustainable for the full season and shows up in April/ May or against the very best.
Spurs have the same problem with Kane.

{Ed001's Note - I think that you would have seen a fair bit more rotation if Brewster had stayed fit and Shaqiri had not gone through a spell where he dropped off in performance, then picked up an injury when he was being brought back in.

You do make a good point though, Origi and Sturridge won't perform unless they get a run of games.}

4.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 12:51:34
But Sturridge and Origi are not of sufficient quality unfortunately so when any of our front three are out our threat level dips significantly

We do need another player up top ; maybe it will be better next season if Naby continues to improve and the Ox is fit and Shaq is better or Brewster could break through then we can manage it better if we are missing one of our front three.

5.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 12:53:32
It defeats the object though, we didn't make a sub (minus the injury) till the 78th minute. You could bring on Ronaldo at 78mins and he's hardly going to touch a ball with all the timewasting at 2-0 down.

so frustrating to see him take so long to make changes.

6.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 14:27:27
I don’t think we have the quality (in forward positions particularly) to have had the success we have experienced. In midfield we hoped Keita would provide drive forward we wanted, but although he is showing promise now it remains to be seen if he is the answer. I am sure Klopp is aware and will attempt to improve our squad. I would just like to add it’s going to be one hell of a second leg and we have the fire power up front to turn it round.

7.) 02 May 2019
02 May 2019 15:46:37
How do you know about what quality we have if they are never given a chance to prove themselves?

When you’re 3 goals to the good in a league match you don’t need quality up front - make a sub!