Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the durability of Mohamed Salah and hinted towards tactical changes in the Egyptian’s absence
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded the durability of Mohamed Salah while hinting at tactical changes to compensate for his absence. Salah left Liverpool to fulfil his ACFON competition duties as Egypt’s captain, missing considerable fixtures for Liverpool.
The 31-year-old has been the leading goal scorer and the biggest creative threat for the Reds, dominating the right flank. Klopp tweaked Salah’s role and responsibilities this season to compensate for his “Liverpool 2.0” with new players in the squad.
The changes also help in the transition for the Egyptian as he nears the latter stages of peak year. Salah cannot solely depend on his dribbling and incredible pace as he did in his younger days.
Nevertheless, the Egypt captain has been sensational, adapting to his new tactical responsibilities as both a goalscorer and a playmaker. He has relied more on linking up with his teammates, feeding them threatening through balls and crosses.
Squawka reported Salah has the most goals and assists alongside the most big chances scored and created until Jan 2nd. The stats are solely based on the Premier League games played so far this season. The 31-year-old received rest in a few cup competition games despite keeping his impeccable fitness levels.
At the press conference (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp praised Salah’s unique durability, making him available in a congested period. He said:
“How can we do that? The special thing about Mo is he can play all the time. In the games, I rotated him Mo was probably in the physical state to start the game but I think it makes sense from time to time not going through all of the brick walls.”
Mohamed Salah in the Premier League so far this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) January 1, 2024
◉ Most G/A
◉ Most xG/A
◉ Most shots on target
◉ Most Big Chances scored
◉ Most Big Chances created
◉ Most open-play chances created
◉ Most touches in opp. box
◎ =Most goals
◎ =Most assists
Mo(st) Salah. pic.twitter.com/NYZ8JaD7I2
Jurgen Klopp elaborated on his array of alternative options and systems that he could deploy in Salah’s absence. He said:
“We have different options and we can change the system. When Mo is playing it makes sense that we play a specific way so that he can be in his favourite position, he deserves that and he helps us there the most. But when he’s not there we have to be creative and maybe we will be. I don’t know what surprises you after all these years but maybe it will! Not for the sake of it, but maybe. Let’s see.”
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Klopp can deploy Harvey Elliott at the right flank while every attacker needs to pitch in with goals and assists. Elliott has shown sensational form whenever he received a chance to play and he is capable of fulfilling tactical duties.
Critics have targeted the Reds for their wastefulness in front of goal, a vulnerability that becomes particularly costly in Salah‘s absence. However, the attack department is diverse and well-equipped to do the job until the Egyptian king returns from AFCON.
