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Klopp: Salah needs Mo time
Jurgen Klopp has admitted Mohamed Salah is desperate to get back on track after a “tough” period away with Egypt.
Though Liverpool beat Benfica 3-1 last night, Salah has gone three games without a goal either side of the international break, during which he missed a penalty in the shootout as Senegal ended his World Cup dream.
Amid continued talk about whether or not he will sign a new deal at Anfield, Klopp replaced him after 61 minutes last night.
And the German admitted the Reds’ talisman just needs time to settle after an emotional few weeks.
Klopp said: “Each player in that situation wants to score, and obviously with all the stories around, it’s clear Mo wants to score as well, especially in this moment but it’s all fine.
“It’s a tough period. Both boys came back from Africa, it’s really not easy, massive pressure on their shoulders, both have to solve it for their countries. Their managers were part of that as well, to put it on them.
“I think now he needs time to settle, that’s all. An important game for Mo and Sadio tonight, one could score the other one unfortunately not, but everything will be fine.”
Thibaut holds Court over Lukaku snubs
Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says it is strange Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku has found himself starved of action in recent weeks.
Since the middle of February, Lukaku’s only starts for the Blues have come in FA Cup ties at Luton and Middlesbrough, with Thomas Tuchel preferring Kai Havertz up top.
Courtois backed his compatriot to come good at Stamford Bridge but hopes it will not happen until after Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against them.
Ahead of tonight’s first leg, he said: “I know Romelu is a really great striker. It is a bit strange not to see him play that much lately. He is a guy with enormous quality. He finds the goal easily.
“Obviously, there are other great strikers at Chelsea. I understand it is not always easy when the team is winning, obviously, the manager keeps playing the same players.
“But I’m sure he will get through it. Sometimes you just need a little adaptation. I had the same thing in my first season at Real Madrid, it wasn’t easy.
“I’m sure he will be good but I hope it’s not tomorrow. He can wait one more week.”