Klopp’s reason for subbing Firmino says it all about the Brazilian…

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  • Jurgen Klopp explains he subbed Roberto Firmino against Watford to ‘save him’
  • Brazilian scored with clever flick after assists from Mohamed Salah 
  • Klopp keen to preserve the forward’s fitness ahead of key games
  • SEE MORE: Klopp reacts brilliantly to Salah/Messi comparisons

Jurgen Klopp admits he decided to take Robert Firmino off against Watford in order to protect him having seen his side add a fourth goal in their eventual 5-0 win.

The Brazilian was replaced by Danny Ings 11 minutes from time having produced yet another all-action performance at the tip of Liverpool’s attack.

Even with three points already secured, the no.9 persisted to restrict Watford’s defenders to mere seconds on the ball with his work rate from the front.

Knowing there was little chance of Firmino easing off, Klopp brought him off to preserve him with key games ahead in mind.

“When I made the change, I thought I’ll take off Roberto Firmino because he doesn’t save himself so I need to save him,” he told BT Sport.

Firmino proved a frontrunner in inflicting a torrid afternoon on Watford, who were forced to work extremely hard to simply keep the ball from the Reds’ unrelenting press.

His delicate flicked finish served as his 23rd goal of the season across all competitions, adding to what is easily his most productive season since joining Liverpool.

Whilst Mohamed Salah cemented his name in headlines with his first hat-trick for the club, Firmino and Sadio Mane warranted high praise for their selfless running and dominance on the ball.

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