Jurgen Klopp has downplayed concerns about Mohamed Salah's goal-scoring form and has stated that he would not hold conversations with the Egyptian striker in an attempt to get him fire again
Salah hasn't scored for Liverpool in open play since February, his previous goal coming from the penalty spot in a 2-0 win over Brighton on March 12.
In Liverpool's 3-2 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City at Wembley, the attacker shone, although he wasted a couple of chances to end the game in the second half.
Klopp encouraged Salah to return to goal-scoring form soon ahead of Liverpool's match against Manchester United on Tuesday night, insisting he would not pull his forward aside for a motivational talk.
'It's (Salah's goal drought) a very typical time that Mo is going through,' the German stated on Monday.
'We've discussed all of the physical obligations he's had in the last few months, so it's entirely understandable.'
'I really enjoyed the game against City.
He had a fantastic football game, and it's only a matter of time before he scores as well.
He's been unlucky in these times, and as a striker, you don't even try if you don't have luck.
'He's come close enough a couple of times, and the time will come.'
I'm quite pleased with his performance at Wembley.
'I see him more in training than in games, and we play every three days, so you have to look at it and decide whether or not there is a need for a conversation.'
'We've had enough of conversations over our time together, but there's no need right now.'
'We converse, but not about the situation,' says the narrator (his form).
We discuss about what he needs to do in the game, what the game plan is, where we need to expose the opponent, and all of that, but each player is absolutely different.'
Liverpool welcomes their bitter rivals to Merseyside knowing that a win would put them on top of the Premier League for at least the next two seasons.
Modes:
Standard
He added: 'It's a big game, massive game. Two of the biggest clubs in the world. Maybe in Spain they'll say it's different but massive history, big fights in the past, big fights since my time here. 'We lost some games against United and it took time to win there but we've had to deal with it and how much it means to them (the fans). Now it's the 13th time and we should have learned by now. It's an incredibly important game for both teams, both are fighting for Champions League next season or more. We will see. 'United's situation is they won the last game but were not too happy with the performance and results opened the door for them again. 'They will go for it and we have to make sure that they have to do it (finish in the top four) without our points. It'll be an intense 90 minutes.'
'It's a big game, a massive game,' he added.
Two of the most powerful clubs in the planet.
Maybe they'll say it's different in Spain, but there's a lot of history, great battles in the past, and big fights while I've been here.
'We lost a few games against United, and it took a long time for us to win there, but we've dealt with it and understand how important it is to them' (the fans).
It's the thirteenth time, and we should've figured it out by now.
It's a crucial match for both sides, since they're both vying for a place in the Champions League next season or beyond.
We'll have to wait and see.
'United's issue is that they won the last game but were dissatisfied with their performance, and the results have now opened the door for them once more.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0