Klopp Reveals Why He Subbed Van Dijk at Half Time Vs Brentford Clash

• Liverpool had a night to forget during their Premier League trip to Brentford as they were humbled 3-1
• The Bees took a 2-0 comfortable lead before the break, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulling a goal back shortly after the restart
• Jurgen Klopp was forced into a triple tactical substitution which saw Virgil van Dijk withdrawn at the break
• Joel Matip took the place of the Dutchman as the Merseyside team plotted their way back into the match

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has opened up on his decision to sub off Virgil van Dijk at half-time during their Premier League clash against Brentford on Monday night.

The Reds had a trip to forget at the Community Stadium as Brentford condemned them to a 3-1 comprehensive defeat.

According to Metro UK, Klopp's charges delivered a miserable first-half performance as they found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break.

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An own goal from Ibrahima Konate and a stunning header from Yoane Wissa gave the hosts a two-goal lead in the first half as the tie took shape.

Klopp rings changes

Incredibly, the hosts had two further efforts ruled out by VAR for offside, forcing Klopp to respond at half-time by making a triple sub.

Virgil van Dijk was among the casualties of Klopp's tactical change, with the Dutchman replaced by Joel Matip.

Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott were also withdrawn as Klopp plotted a stunning comeback in the second half.

Speaking after the match, the German disclosed that he hooked Van Dijk at the break due to an injury.

"Virgil felt his hamstring a little bit. He said he was fine but when I said “we don’t take any risks” the physios were quite happy with that. I think it’s nothing serious, but that’s why we changed him," Klopp told beIN Sports.

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Gakpo reveals chat with VVD

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Cody Gakpo has revealed he had chatted with Van Dijk ahead of his move to Liverpool.

He confirmed his international captain had good things to say and told him that to take the next step in his career, Gakpo should come to Liverpool.

While there is debate on whether VVD or Klopp influenced the Dutch youngster's decision, the Reds will hope he can make a difference to their midfield structure.