Klopp 'happy' with out of form Salah contract talks

James Shearman

• 4 Apr 2022 16:06 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is 'happy' to see the club in contract talks with Mohamed Salah.

Salah's future has been a concern for several months, with his deal expiring at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

And, Klopp has rarely provided his thoughts on the matter, but he was willing to comment on Monday afternoon.

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''I am happy with it because there's nothing new to say, that's good,'' the Reds boss said in his latest press conference.

''Just good. The decisive parties are talking to each other and that's all I need. That's it.''

The Egyptian had been linked with a move to either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, who could offer him a significant pay rise, but it now looks like he has his heart set on staying at Anfield.

Should Salah's form be a concern?

In a season where Salah has registered 28 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances, questioning his form is harsh.

However, the 29-year-old has been far from his best in recent weeks, scoring just one goal in his last six for Liverpool.

And, in the 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday, he was subbed off after 69 minutes having put in a fairly poor performance.

Yet, Klopp is not concerned with Africa Cup of Nations finalist's struggles in front of goal.

''He might not have scored from open play - maybe a penalty here and there - but it's not too important,'' he added.

''For me, the performance level is important. The threat is for other teams, how he brings (opposing) players together - the moment he gets the ball, two or three players are going for him.

''In these moments, he could decide sometimes in a better way, no doubt about that, such as pass the ball quicker, all these kind of things.

''But it's a tough period for Mo - and for Sadio - with the Africa Cup of Nations and then the games and coming back and being immediately available for us again. That was really, really special.

''It's completely normal in a season to have ups and downs. They aren't big changes for these boys, but it's still there. We see him every day in training and see him playing obviously, there's nothing to worry about.

Salah is part of the Liverpool squad for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final tie with Benfica.