I for one don't have an issue with the lack of changes from the bench today. The game was virtually gone through two or three personal errors. As I said in the match day thread Jesus scores that sitter - and it was an awful miss - then bring on your big guns but do it too early and the extra effort on injured muscles, joints could cost far more. The simple fact is many Liverpool players were rested against Benfica, perhaps because they had done the hard work in Portugal whereas we didn't get the second against Atletico which would have meant some rotation - this even short rest meant they had far more intensity in the first 30 mins and ran us ragged.
Our shoulders slumped in the first half and some began to feel a bit sorry for themselves. In these moments you learn a lot about character and Pep will understand that for the run in. At least we did show some pride in the later stages and I am especially pleased Jack got a goal, which will do him the world of good. That finish was not as easy as it looked.
Players are not machines and at elite level a couple of days off is very important. We now need to reflect on this, clear our minds and bodies then go and win the league. I will not be able to stomach it if they win the quadruple. Pep gave this game up a bit because if we had played Kev, Rodri and Ederson we win simple as - but the cost may have been losing out in the league. I fully support that approach.
I also think Pep has clearly decided after 2 years without a top finisher we must get one - other teams have reacted to our false nine style so now our main man will make the subtle changes needed to keep us ahead of the pack. Haaland and Alvarez add power, pace and finishing. Who will make way? Perhaps, Jesus, Raheem or even Bernardo (if still missing the sun) sad, maybe, but this is evolvement and there is not one manager who I would rather have take us through it.
Cheer up all, WE WILL WIN THE LEAGUE!
