Klopp emphasises ‘loyalty‘ after opening up on Salah, CL transfer debate

Salah.Klopp_.Liverpool.TEAMtalk

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the growing speculation surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah if Champions League qualification is not secured.

Liverpool are in the midst of a torrid run of form after losing five successive home league matches for the first time in their history.

The defence of their title has long since passed as Man City appear on course to regain the Premier League title.

Much works remains to done, however, with the race for the top four set to define the Reds’ season.

Should Liverpool fail to achieve this, speculation has begun to swirl that talismanic forward Salah could be on the move.

The Egyptian has been a rare bright spark this year, currently topping the league scorers’ chart with 17.

Salah’s future has become a talking point at various stages throughout the campaign with Real Madrid said to be interested. The latest developed after his early substitution in their defeat to Chelsea on Thursday night.

That move sparked a cryptic tweet from the player’s agent. Klopp responded, moving to distance himself from the man in question.

Liverpool v Fulham Match Preview, March 07, 2021

Liverpool v Fulham Match Preview, March 07, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Liverpool and Fulham, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

 

Now, the German has opened up further on the situation, stressing no Liverpool player would hold the mindset of wishing to leave if their European aims are not achieved.

“That is nothing we have to worry about,” said Klopp (via the Express). It was always like this. I know we have loyalty from the players.

“It is not a situation where a player in the squad says we are not in the Champions League so I have to leave.

“That will not happen. I know them well enough to know that.”

 

Owen explains wild Salah, Mane theory

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane Liverpool October 2020

Meanwhile, Sadio Mane’s desire to outscore his teammate Mohamed Salah could be damaging Liverpool at the moment, pundit Michael Owen has claimed.

Mane spurned a glorious chance to score in the first half. Later, he could have won a penalty in the second half after an Andreas Christensen challenge.

The Senegal striker instead opted to stay on his feet. Owen reckons that was intentional in order to stop Salah bagging from the penalty spot.

“I couldn’t believe he didn’t go down there and look, I’m not advocating he does,’ Owen told Premier League Productions. “It was a great touch and he possibly thought he might get a chance at the end of it. But he did something similar a week ago [against Sheffield United].

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