Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool star ‘hated’ something the German did against Benfica

Jurgen Klopp said at Thursday’s press conference – according to the Liverpool Echo – that Mo Salah hates being taken out of the starting XI. But Klopp explained it was necessary on Wednesday against Benfica.

Klopp started with a front three from Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino – the latter scoring twice. Jota has also taken a hit and Klopp has said he is confident the Portuguese star will be fit for Saturday’s outing.

After a string of tough games, Liverpool next meet Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday – three days after both faced Benfica and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

It was only the third of Salah’s 40 appearances he has not started and Klopp admits his starman hates not being in the starting XI. But Klopp felt it was necessary to rest him ahead of Saturday.

“Even if Mo had scored four goals in the last game, he wouldn’t have started. No story, just a necessity. He’s only human too and there will be games where he can’t start or will be substituted and he hates that – that’s clear.”

Klopp on Salah: Can the Liverpool man end his difficult form on Saturday?

Liverpool could use him. While the Reds are now on neutral ground against a tired Pep Guardiola side, the Reds still have to give their best compared to the 2-2 draw at The Etihad.

They are only at their best when Salah is scoring goals – something that has dried up lately. The last time Salah scored from open play in La Liga was on February 19 – although he has since scored three penalties.

Liverpool hope their run of form ends on Saturday and Manchester City are proving to be victims of the ex-Chelsea man.

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