The 28-year-old gave an interview in Spain last week in
which he said Barcelona and Real Madrid were top clubs and “who knows what will
happen in the future”.
This led to speculation over whether he was seeking a new
longer-term contract beyond 2023 or he was upset Trent Alexander-Arnold had
been given the captain’s armband for the Champions League group match with
Midtjylland.
“We do not speak about deals — well, not with you (the
media). Why should we start now?” said Klopp at his press conference ahead of
Sunday’s game with struggling West Brom.
“Mo is in a good mood, always a good moment. He is in really
good shape and that is the most important thing for me.
“We did not have pictures (from the training ground) this
morning but if we did you would have seen him laughing, he enjoyed the session.
“All the rest is nice for all of you to write about but
internally, no, nothing really.”
If Salah is unsettled it has not been reflected by his
performances on the pitch this season.
He has scored 13 goals in as many league games, missing just
one because of Covid-19 isolation.
It is his best start to a Premier League term, even better
than his debut campaign when he went on to score 32 in 38 appearances having
registered 12 goals at the same 14-match stage.
He came off the bench last Saturday to score a brace in the
7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace.
“I think there are all these things to talk about: he didn’t
start the last game, all the things I heard after about what could be the
reason and then he came on and scored two,” said Klopp.
“I think in his first season he didn’t start against Stoke,
came on and scored two. He obviously doesn’t need a long time.”
Klopp said he hoped his players would build on their lead
over their rivals — they presently have a four-point advantage over Leicester.
The Reds have a hectic schedule over the festive period with
a home game with Newcastle next Wednesday and Southampton the following Monday.
“All the boys were in a good moment, that is why we have the
points we have so far,” he said.
“Now it is much more important we really keep going.
Everyone knows the toughest point of the season is now ahead of us.
“The Christmas period is always tough so we have to make
sure we get through this with the right results.”
AFP