What Jurgen Klopp Said About Super Eagles Striker Starting Against Liverpool In Champions League

Published: October 24, 2019

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he did not expect Paul Onuachu to start Wednesday night's Champions League match against Racing Genk.

In truth, Felice Mazzu, coach of Racing Genk, took everyone by surprise by lining up in a 4-4-2 formation with Onuachu leading the attack and Mbwana Samatta playing behind him.

A brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and efforts from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah saw the European champions win their first away game in this season's Champions League, while Stephen Odey netted a consolation for Genk.

Speaking post-match, Klopp told reporters : ''It was a smart move to start with such a tall striker. Their 4-4-2 didn't make such a big difference in itself, because it didn't change much in their defensive organization.

''But Onuachu was strong as a starter and it was important not to constantly compete with him, because then we could make too many mistakes.

''We were on the right track, only giving away too easy chances due to unnecessary ball loss or unnecessary risks in the game.''

The 2.01 meters tall Onuachu was in action for 81 minutes before making way for compatriot Stephen Odey.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com