“The last front 3 I would have gone for”, “No time for his nonsense” - Angry Liverpool fans say attacker ‘needs to be binned’ if he disappoints against Manchester City
Liverpool fans have reacted angrily to Jurgen Klopp's decision to start Diogo Jota over Luis Diaz for the potential title-deciding clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Portuguese forward starts up-front alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in what is a surprise move by Klopp, who has recently preferred the front three of Diaz, Salah and Mane.
Some fans have taken a gripe with Mane's inclusion, while others believe Diaz should have started ahead of Jota.
Diaz has been a massive hit since joining the club in January from FC Porto for £40.5 million. He was expected to be part of the starting XI against City and fans have reacted rather angrily on Twitter to the news that he has only made the bench for the mouthwatering clash:
If Mane is terrible he’s got to be binned. Got no time for his nonsense today
There were some big technical deficiencies with Mané & Jota’s link play in the same front three in away games at Stamford Bridge & the Emirates. I think it’s an issue when trying to retain the ball vs a side as good as Man City, but I ain’t paid Jürgen Klopp’s wages,so let’s see.
I can’t lie that’s probably the last front three I would have gone for 😭😭😭
if Sadio can’t control his first touch in the first 10 minutes i’d sub him.
…………….. twitter.com/SeanDOlfc/stat…
@ThiagoSZN_ @LFC @ManCity The mini heart attack I just had because of this ffs
@LFC @ManCity Diaz on the bench https://t.co/oYlcufDkpv
@LFC @ManCity Im sorry this is the worst it could've gone... we need diaz ... and Henderson better play well
@LFC @ManCity Honestly this would have been my last choice of front 3 to play against City. I would have went Salah, Firmino, Diaz.. BUT thankfully I trust Jürgen and have full faith in this team!! let's go!!!!! ❤️❤️
Liverpool looking to take the ascendency in the title race against Manchester City
With just a point separating the two sides at the top of the Premier League table, Sunday's game could be the decider of who lifts the league trophy come May.
Manchester City currently sit top just a point ahead of the Anfield giants. But the Reds have found themselves back in contention for the league, having previously trailed City by as many as twelve points earlier this year.
Luis Diaz has been a huge contributor to the red-hot form the Reds have been in, scoring two goals and linking up perfectly with Salah and Mane since his arrival. The Colombian has seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League, so the disappointment among the Anfield faithful that he hasn't started the game is understandable.
But Jota has been impressive this season and perhaps many have forgotten the impact he has had since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers last year. In 24 Premier League appearances this season, Jota has 14 goals, only trailing Salah and Heung-Min Son in the top scorer charts.
His goalscoring prowess is perhaps why Klopp has gone for the Portuguese star since Salah has somewhat floundered in recent games. The Egyptian failed to make it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing to Senegal in the qualifiers and didn't look like his usual self against Benfica in the Champions League.
The excitement builds towards what promises to be one of the most dramatic games of the season. Manchester City versus Liverpool will have huge implications on the title race and Klopp's decision over Diaz may be key.