Jurgen Klopp has told Thursday’s press conference – as per the Liverpool Echo – that Mo Salah hates being removed from the starting line-up. But Klopp stated that it was necessary to do so against Benfica on Wednesday.
Klopp started with a front three of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino – the latter scoring twice. Jota has also picked up a knock and Klopp stated he is confident the Portugal star will be fit for Saturday’s outing.
The run of tough fixtures sees Liverpool next take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday – three days after both were in Champions League action against Benfica and Atletico Madrid.
It was only the third of Salah’s 40 appearances he has not started and Klopp admits that his star man hates not being included in the starting XI. But Klopp felt it was necessary to do so, in order to rest him before Saturday.
“Even if Mo would have scored four goals in the last game, he wouldn’t have started. No story, just a necessity. Even he is just a human being and there’ll be games where he can’t start or is taken off and he hates that – that’s clear.”
Klopp on Salah: Can Liverpool man end tricky form on Saturday?
Liverpool might need him to. While the Reds now find themselves up against a tired Pep Guardiola side on neutral ground, compared to the 2-2 draw at The Etihad, the Reds will still need to be at their absolute best.
They are only at their best when Salah is scoring goals – something which has dried up of late. The last time Salah scored from open play in the league was back on February 19 – though he has since scored three penalties.
Liverpool will be hoping that run of form ends on Saturday, and Manchester City prove to be the victims of the ex-Chelsea man.
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