It’s fair to say that Jurgen Klopp’s decision to sub off Darwin Nunez in the second-half of action against Real Madrid was far from being a popular one judging by the online reaction.
The Echo’s Paul Gorst echoed much of the sentiment on social media, expressing his bafflement at the German’s decision-making in that regard.
Could understand subbing Jota, he was well off it tonight but the Nunez swap is baffling. https://t.co/pgr5jnMAVt
— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) March 15, 2023
Despite testing Thibaut Courtois with a number of tame efforts in the opening half of action, the visitors emerged in the second with apparently little in the way of willingness to leave their mark in the Spanish capital.
Still, it’s a repeat of a similar call against Bournemouth at the weekend as a misfiring Mo Salah was left on the turf whilst the Uruguayan, who looked the comparatively more threatening option up top, was hauled off the pitch.
Perhaps the German tactician already had it in mind that a win, let alone overturning the deficit, simply wasn’t on the cards for his outfit in the Champions League.
We’d like to think that wasn’t the case, of course, given our ability to conjure miracles out of thin air in Europe.
Admittedly, we’ve looked a little devoid of hope at the Bernabeu after the half-time break but we still can’t rule out a bit of late magic if someone manages to bundle in an effort and change the mood around in the Spanish capital.
Liverpool transfer news: Reds eyeing Randal Kolo Muani as replacement for Roberto Firmino
Liverpool are eyeing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, with Roberto Firmino’s Anfield exit now confirmed.
That’s according to SportBild, who claim that the Brazilian’s departure could have a knock-on effect in the transfer market – causing a big worry for the Bundesliga outfit.
With Firmino leaving the club, the Reds have reportedly set their sights on the 24-year-old.
Now, as per the report, he is back on their watch-list, and they are joined by arch-rivals Manchester United.
Muani’s contract doesn’t expire until 2027, so it is said that it will take £87.5m to lure him away from the German club.
The player could reportedly consider a move if a top team offers him what he deems the ‘right sporting perspective’.
Liverpool interested in signing Muani
With Firmino obviously leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract, this rumour seems too far-fetched for a realistic summer window at Anfield.
Liverpool desperately need midfield additions this summer, and it doesn’t look like Jurgen Klopp is going to be given the money he needs to get his squad in shape, to get them back where they belong.
With three new players required in the middle, as well as the need for an extra defender, another forward will be low down on the Reds’ list.
£87.5m on a player who was available last summer on a free would be poor business, especially for a team who need to put their money elsewhere.
Although Muani has proven he is an excellent striker, the likes of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo already have Klopp covered at Liverpool.