Jurgen Klopp reveals why he made COSTLY quadruple sub in Aston Villa capitulation
Jurgen Klopp has revealed why he made a quadruple change that ultimately proved costly during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Monday night.
The Reds surrendered the chance to grab all three points during Klopp's final away game in charge of the club, conceding two goals to Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran in three minutes late in the game.
The Reds were 3-1 up until the 85th minute thanks to an Emiliano Martinez own goal, Cody Gakpo tap-in and Jarell Quansah header, but couldn't hold on for victory at Villa Park.
A moment in which the game changed was when Klopp made a quadruple change in the 75th minute, bringing on Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool then let their lead slip as they lost control of the match, with Klopp, who has been criticised for his use of substitutions this season, left ruing what might have been.
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Speaking after the match about why he chose to bring on four players at once at a pivotal moment in the match, Klopp suggested that he made the decision to actually bolster Liverpool's defence.
"It got away from us, there's no doubt about that," said the 56-year-old. "Played a really good football game, anything could have happened tonight.
"One team is playing for everything [Villa] and one team is playing football and wants to win the game [Liverpool]. We were really, really good, we played a lot of good stuff, caused Aston Villa loads of problems.
"Before we changed [four players], we gave them too many chances in that moment. We weren't compact enough anymore, it was very intense for the boys.
"They created too much, we couldn't defend the midfield, we were too often in our box - that's why we made the changes.
"Then we make a mistake [Alexis Mac Allister's poor touch]. 3-2, that's how it is. You should not pass the ball there but you have to show in different ways. Could we keep it? Yes, of course, but it happens."
While the game ultimately meant nothing for Liverpool, who are guaranteed to finish third, it was another demonstration of what needs to change at Anfield this summer.
Liverpool's defensive frailties were exposed once more as Aston Villa continually cut through them, with Klopp unable to improve things from the touchline.