just putting this on here (repost):
I really don't understand why our fans can't accept that rotation is necessary. We have a game every 3 days or so.
When the team was announced Sunday, I was surprised, but thought he had decided to rotate for this game - thats his job, to make those decisions.
Journalists accused him of not realising how important the Derby was along with a number of our fans, who equally protested when Salah was withdrawn. I didnt see anyone say, "is he injured" or "hope he is not injured". All these protests were of course with hindsight.
Its clear now that Salah was removed to prevent a potential injury and that Phil and Bobby were rested as a precaution based on "a little information".
Those questioning the selection of Solanke, should also note that Sturridge pulled out with a tight hamstring.
I am not saying he gets everything right with selections or substitutions but we have to give him some slack that he is doing it for a reason, even if it is just rotation to keep players fresh. He is so aware of what happened last january.
I expect Salah to be rotated in the coming games too, but thats what we have a squad for. If the point is that the squad isn't good enough then thats a different question, but its better than it has been for a number of years.