Jurgen Klopp revealed Philippe Coutinho was taken off with cramp against Burnley after confusion on the sidelines as Liverpool made their change, reports the Liverpool Echo .
It appeared that James Milner was about to be taken off on 78 minutes, with his number on the fourth official's board, but the Brazilian headed for the bench and the Reds boss was forced into a swift reappraisal.
Explaining the situation, Klopp said: "He did well. He needs rhythm, that's normal.
"I didn't want to change him at the end, that's why it looked a bit confused as we brought the subs on.
"I asked him to stand up, but then obviously when we got the drinks in this little interruption we saw. It was only a cramp but it was maybe better to stop and we had to change this."
Coutinho looked bright, creating several shooting chances but wasn't able to deliver a moment of decisive quality on his first start of the season.
Klopp was fuming after the 1-1 draw with Burnley and says his players need to be more ruthless as they dropped two more points at Anfield.
The Reds dominated proceedings and had 35 shots on goal (30 more than Burnley) but failed to find the crucial second after Mohamed Salah had brought the home side level just three minutes after Scott Arfield had fired Burnley into the lead.
With Coutinho making his return to the starting line-up, Liverpool fans were hoping to see their side get back on the winning trail following their crushing defeat against Manchester City last weekend.
But Klopp's side had to settle for a draw and the German coach says they have only got themselves to blame for not picking up all three points.
Klopp said: "I'm not happy, I'm angry with the result but pleased with the performance.
" It's our fault. We were dominant, fantastic attitude. We played good, were fluent with seven changes. But only one goal.
"When you have shots on goal it's not about their defending. Their keeper made a few outstanding saves. I'm not happy as when Solanke hit the bar I am sure it was a penalty.
"It's the best we have played against Burnley since I have been in. In the past we didn't feel good in the game. Today I saw fluid movements, passing between the lines, speed, crosses.
"We have to take the point and carry on."