Jurgen Klopp has moved to quell concerns over Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool, insisting there is no doubt about the forward's commitment despite his frustration at the team missing out on Champions League football.
Salah took to social media after Manchester United's 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday, a result that confirmed Liverpool would not feature in Europe's elite competition for the first time in seven seasons. The Egypt international, who signed a new three-year contract last summer, described himself as "totally devastated" and said there was "absolutely no excuse" for the campaign's shortcomings.
Responding to the outburst, the Liverpool manager said Salah was in good spirits the following morning and that the disappointment would only strengthen the squad's resolve. "No worries, no," Klopp said when asked if Salah wanted to leave. "Obviously Mo loves being here and Mo was part of it. He said apologies for what 'we' did – not apologies for 'what the other guys did, but I had to go with them'. Not at all. It is all fine."
Klopp also dismissed any suggestion that the Europa League would be viewed as a booby prize, pointing to next season's final in Dublin. "On the level we usually perform it is about Champions League, because of the money, because of the opponents and all this. But I love European competitions," he said. "And I know when you play there's no difference. People may think: 'It's just the Europa League' but I am 100% sure that come the first whistle, Thursday night, whoever is the opponent, Anfield will be rocking."
The manager also confirmed that forward Fabio Carvalho could leave on loan next season after making only eight starts in his debut campaign at Liverpool.
