As a “completely normal” response to their sadness, Jurgen Klopp dismissed Mohamed Salah’s statement that there was “no excuse” for Liverpool’s inability to qualify for the Champions League.
When Manchester United defeated Chelsea on Thursday, Liverpool was relegated to fifth position this season after six straight top-four finishes that resulted in three Champions League finals and the competition’s championship in 2019.
Salah then wrote on Twitter, “I’m completely devastated. There is just no justification for this. To qualify for the Champions League the following year, we had all we required, but we fell short. The absolute minimum for Liverpool is to enter the competition.
But Klopp emphasised that it was only an impulsive reaction and that his leading scorer is now alright.
It is quite natural, he said. Although there are a lot of negative things that happen on social media all the time, I don’t believe that was one of them. It was merely a typical depiction of his predicament and his emotions, and in that instant immediately following the game, he is correct. Sending upbeat messages now is not a good idea; wait until later, perhaps an hour or a day.
The point at which it is undeniable that you cannot qualify for the Champions League any longer… Even though I was aware during the most recent match [against Aston Villa] that Newcastle and Manchester United needed just one point, it was obvious to me that they would earn it. I therefore put a line of sorts underneath it. Although I have a great sense of optimism, at this time I was unable to recognise it.
“I saw him in the canteen an hour ago, and he was smiling. It was just a regular description of his feeling, and he’s right. He’s not grumpy at all.
On Sunday, when Liverpool’s season comes to a close against Southampton, Darwin Nunez might be able to play again but Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate are question marks.
Fabio Carvalho may leave Liverpool on loan after a trying first year at Anfield, according to Klopp.
Although it wasn’t Fabio’s best year of his career, he claimed that it was perhaps the most significant. No player has made me more impressed. It is real. This gifted young man arrived with high hopes and expectations. Although it didn’t work out, his work ethic will help him have a successful career. I’m not sure if we keep him or loan him out.
The two midfielders Liverpool wants to add this summer, according to Klopp, may not be available right away. However, as long as they come by early July, Klopp won’t be concerned.
It’s common for Liverpool to make early deals during transfer windows, and Klopp added: “Things might not go as quickly as you want.” Not only is it conceivable, but it’s also most likely. The less eager the other team is to let him go, the better players you want.
“Exactly for that is what we are ready. However, there is plenty of time, a long preseason, and a long break in between, so I wouldn’t consider it a game-changer if players arrived tomorrow or in six or seven weeks.