Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum admits injury to Mohamed Salah so early in their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid affected their performance.
The match was goalless but Jurgen Klopp‘s side were in the ascendency until midway through the first half when they lost their 44-goal forward with a shoulder injury after falling in a tangle with Sergio Ramos.
Liverpool’s players struggled to adjust and Real took advantage, eventually running out 3-1 winners partly thanks to two errors by goalkeeper Loris Karius and a stunning overhead kick by Gareth Bale.
“I think it was a big blow for us, it seemed like a big blow for us the way we reacted after his injury,” said Wijnaldum.
“I think when he was on the pitch we did well for 25 minutes but (after the injury) there was less than before.
“Those things happen and we had to deal with it but it was difficult.”
Asked what Klopp said at half-time, the Holland international added: “He said that it looked like we were devastated about Mo but we had to let it go and change because it could not change.
“Sometimes those things happen in football. It is hugely frustrating but we can’t change it.”
