Klopp reflects on how Elliott injury affects Liverpool; backs ‘crazy’ Salah to break records

Jurgen Klopp questioning fourth official

Jurgen Klopp was focused primarily on the wellbeing of Harvey Elliott after Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Leeds United, but did find time to praise each of his goalscorers.

Liverpool endured an evening of mixed emotions, comfortably overcoming Leeds but seeing the win marred by what looks like a serious injury to Elliott. He was carried off on a stretcher after coming off badly from a challenge from Pascal Struijk, who received a red card as a result.

It overshadowed what should have been a positive day for Liverpool, who were dominant throughout.

Klopp admitted that his players were understandably affected after Elliott’s injury, which is a major blow after how the teenager has started the season.

The Liverpool boss told Match of the Day: “Harvey Elliott is in hospital, a bad ankle injury for sure.

“It looked like it was dislocated, the medical department put it back. Massive pain, shock for him, for us and we don’t know more. We have to wait.

“I couldn’t care less (if it was a red card), it is not my business. It is a serious injury, definitely for an 18 year old boy. The red card is not important. Two or three weeks we can play on, Harvey will not.

“We played a really good game until Harvey had to go. The whole team was shocked and we lost rhythm. That is normal, human.

“We played as good as we can against Leeds. You have to be ready for brutal intensity. The crowd was there and an exciting football game with us as the deserved winner.

“I spoke to the boys afterwards, we have to speak a little bit about the football by Harvey overshadows it. I like intense football so I probably liked the game.”

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Klopp went on to namecheck two of his goalscorers, Fabinho and Sadio Mane. They endured contrasting fortunes throughout; the former was dominant in midfield, while the latter had a frustrating night until his goal in stoppage time.

But their manager was impressed with both of them.

He said: “Fabinho is an incredible player with the challenges he won. We did well in many departments.

“Sadio Mane played an exceptional game. The crowd wanted to make him annoyed, he stayed calm and scored the goal.”

Klopp praises crazy Salah

The first goal was scored by Mohamed Salah, who brought up a century of Premier League goals as a result.

The Egyptian winger has been hugely impressive ever since joining the club in 2017 and Klopp is glad to have him.

What’s more, he thinks he can extend his record considerably further.

He said to Sky Sports: “Mo’s record is crazy.

“He is still hungry and I don’t know how many records he can break.

“Since he joined us he has been the perfect player – a top class player.”

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