After leading the Reds to a 2-1 win over Southampton on Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for liverpool's fringe players. With the Champions League final just around the corner, With Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho already nursing for injuries, Klopp didn't want the other stars to risk and made nine changes to his squad for a trip to St. Mary's.
It threatened to backfire after Nathan Redmond's early opener, but Liverpool were always in the lead, with goals from Takushi Minamno and Joel Matip and Joel Matip leading the team to a 2-1 victory, bringing the Premier League title battle to the final day of the season.
"I'm very happy with the performance, it's very touching. Like, wow! These boys! Klopp said after the game. It's like having a Ferrari in a garage. He added: "I've never seen a team like this. Because we win most of the time, there's not much to really argue about team choice. "But you have two opportunities to deal with it, you give up or you just play your part in this group, which is constantly pushing each other." In the end, it was absolutely outstanding and tonight was really special because we came here and did what we did and were successful because of the boys. "If it doesn't work out, it's going to be 100% my responsibility, and now that it's done, the boys should be proud of it."
With Liverpool still one point behind leaders Manchester City on the final day of the season, Klopp needed Guardiola's side to slip when it faced Aston Villa at home. If City fail to win, if Liverpool can beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, they can top the table.