Union SG won against a young Liverpool side on Thursday night.
There was little tension in the game for the visiting side, who had qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League, but any professional would be proud even when the critical rubber hits.
This was evident in Ibrahim Konate’s shocked reaction to the hosts’ first goal, which was ruled offside despite an extensive VAR review.
Konate was the last man standing at the other end when Mohamed Amoura ran past Caoimhin Kelleher and took to social media to express his disbelief. Konate featured in the opening match against Union SG, before being replaced by Jurgen Klopp at half-time. The defender gave a break to Joe Gomez, who played the rest of the game.
With the game having no impact on Liverpool’s final position in Group E, the Frenchman was a surprise inclusion in the XI, especially as he has been plagued by recurring injuries at various stages of the season. Klopp discussed the situation at full-time and explained that the substitution was planned in advance due to the lack of centre-backs due to Joel Matip’s cruciate ligament injury, but the same could be said of Gomez.
We just wanted to share the intensity. If given the chance, would you play Joe Gomez 90 or Ibow 90? [It was decided] 45 and 45, and the midfielders as well,” the coach began to explain.
