It was as professional as performances come for Jurgen Klopp and his men in Amsterdam, as they put down a strong marker in the opening game of Group D. 

Nicolás Tagliafico own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides. On reflection, the score line rather flattered the home side. Liverpool dominated the large parts of the game, and managed to keep a much sought after clean sheet in the first game without Virgil Van Dijk. 

Klopp spoke to the media to give his thoughts on the performance.

It was Fabinho who received the plaudits tonight as he deputised alongside Joe Gomez, something that Liverpool fans will learn to become accustomed too, following Van Dijks absence.

Klopp was full of praise for the Brazilian, stating that there is still much more to come from the pair, as they learn and understand each others game over the weeks and months to come. 

"Good but even he can play better. This combo with Joe they'd never played together. They need to get used to each other''

It was a promising start for Liverpool as they started life without their colossuses at the back. With the Reds debuting a new defensive partnership, it was a rather impressive shut out away to their Group D rivals. 

Ajax came close to scoring numerous times, but the presence of the post and Fabinho, made sure Liverpool returned to Merseyside with a clean sheet. 

"We are not dumb enough to think we didn't need a bit of luck. Fabinho needed to stretch off the line, we could have done better''

Klopp, who had been a massive advocate of the five substitution rule being kept in the domestic league for the coming season, used all five subs it tonight's game.

Klopp explained the process behind some of his changes..

"Curtis was tactical. Medical department told us Hendo cannot start, 45 mins was possible. We wanted an experienced midfield as that helps in this type of game. 3 up front, it was intense, it was hard for those 3. I was happy we could make 5 changes tonight."

The Reds manager  raised a  few eyebrows in the process. As Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all made way on the hour mark. 

Something that we have rarely seen during Klopp's time as manager- especially in such a big game.

"We had to defend together in 4-5-1. Wingers need to be involved in defending. Big spaces for counter. It made sense for fresh legs. All 3 who came on were fresh. They helped a lot. Shaq, Taki, and Diogo is a machine. All fine."

After being substituted, Mane was pictured with Ice on his knee. But Klopp was quick to end any injury speculation ahead of Saturday's game with Sheffield United.

"Sadio has a dead leg and deals with it. It's still painful but not a problem. When he doesn't play he has ice on it."

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