Klopp defends Mohamed Salah over loyalty criticism

Jurgen Klopp left no mistake about his opinions about Mohamed Salah’s commitment when he responded to a journalist’s line of questioning.

Salah has returned to Merseyside to receive treatment for a hamstring injury picked up during the Africa Cup of Nations, as part of a recovery plan agreed upon by Liverpool and Egypt.

The player came off in the first half of Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana in their second group game.

It provides the 31-year-old the best chance to lead his country again if they reach the competition’s final; but, this has not stopped Salah and Klopp from facing criticism and scrutiny.

Salah’s dedication has been called into doubt, and Egypt boss Rui Vitoria chastised Klopp for addressing the winger’s treatment at an inappropriate time.

Quizzed on the criticisms on Wednesday night, Kloop was quick to jump to the defence of Salah.

“I cannot be part of that discussion, Egypt and Liverpool have exactly the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as quick as possible,” Klopp insisted.

“If he stays there and they can’t do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament.

“We bring him here, not because we want to take him away from Egypt [but] to offer the best medical treatment, it’s all we want.

“It’s all agreed. If Egypt goes to the final, it was always clear if he’s fit, Mo goes back, 100 per cent. Mo wants that, we want that.

“We don’t plan with Mo and think we can do a little bit here or there, we are completely honest.

“I have so many things to do and so many things going on around me. The rest some people make of it and if somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah, he should ask himself if his loyalty is right.

“Mo Salah is the most loyal Egyptian I definitely ever met in my life.”

Egypt will face DR Congo in the next round of the competition looking to progress to the last eight.