Jurgen Klopp insists Jordan Henderson was always going to be hooked at the break in their FA Cup tie at Aston Villa.
The Reds skipper came off at half-time with the game still in the balance after Louie Barry scored a shock equaliser.
Thiago came on as a replacement but Klopp is adamant no injuries nor a poor performance was behind the decision.
The German opted to name what was a strong line-up with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both starting.
Their Spanish summer signing is still easing his way back from injury which perhaps explains why he and Henderson shared the workload.
"No, no, Hendo and Thiago was clear before the game that we do it like this: 45, 45," Klopp explained.
"Absolutely no problem. And no, no reservations."
Liverpool, who are yet to play in the latter stages of the FA Cup under Klopp, eventually saw off their opponents 4-1 at Villa Park.
A coronavirus outbreak in the Villa camp meant they had to turn to their U23s when it came to picking a team.
Even manager Dean Smith was unable to attend meaning Mark Delaney stepped in, the man who coaches the U23s.
Klopp had no issue with the course of action their opponents took as he reiterated his confidence in the authorities and their protocols.
"We trust the authorities, we had our test results come back yesterday as well, everybody was negative," said the German.
"Then the FA did what they thought is right with the U23s, they got tested, we got their results this morning I think at 10 O’clock.
"We were on the car park at the airport. So, then everything is fine."
