Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on his Liverpool substitutes for helping them get over the line in Wednesday night's 1-0 win away at Ajax.
The Reds picked up a narrow victory in their opening Champions League fixture out in Amsterdam, albeit thanks to a bizarre own goal from Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico.
With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Sadio Mane scuffed the ball across the area and Tagliafico diverted it into his own net despite being under no pressure.
It proved the decisive strike at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, meaning Liverpool have got off to a winning start in Europe’s elite-level competition this season.
And after grinding out a hard-fought victory away from home, Klopp waxed lyrical about the impact of his substitutes on the night.
“I don't know how it happened in the beginning. That's a good example of how the boys did today. It was not perfect but they fought brilliantly,” he said.
“I really liked the fresh legs up front. Jordan Henderson - the medical staff told me no 90 minutes - but he did well. Rhys Williams played non-league football last year and now he has some Champions League football so what a moment for him. Some nice stories, three points.
“Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five changes.”
He then continued: “It was good enough to win the game. That's what you need.
“I think both teams could play better football. At moments it was wild. The pitch was deep and muddy. Three days ago it looked completely different and in training yesterday it looked different.
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“But we did not take our chances which was a shame. Ajax had a big one which hit the post. When you're 1-0 up, these things can happen.
“But overall I'm happy with the game. It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it.”
Next up for Liverpool is a Premier League clash with Sheffield United on Saturday.
