Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp conceded that his new contract will not determine Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s long-term future with the club. Earlier this week, Klopp united the Liverpool faithful by penning a new deal that will now keep him at the club until 2026.
The German had previously noted that he may look for greener pastures after 2024 but has evidently had a change of heart. In his time at Liverpool, the former Borussia Dortmund coach has delivered five trophies, including a long-awaited Premier League title. More significantly, Klopp has built a team that is widely heralded as one of the best in the world.
Under his tutelage, Liverpool have not only become a terrific footballing business, but also improved players to the top of modern-day football’s individual rankings.
Two of those players, arguably the deadliest forwards in the world, are Salah and Mane. Between the pair, they have scored an astonishing 50 goals this season, guiding Liverpool to the EFL Cup trophy, as well as the FA Cup final.
Not to mention, the Reds already have one foot in the door of the Champions League final, having outplayed Villarreal 2-0 in the first leg. An unprecedented quadruple charge is on at Anfield, but the futures of their star attackers are still in doubt.
One could be sure of what the present focus is within the dressing room – trophies. Undoubtedly, Salah and Mane’s future must have many fans and teammates biting their nails. When asked if his new contract would incentivise them to stay at Liverpool, Klopp remarked “That is a question for the boys what it means to them. But it’s all fine. My relationship with both is great. In life, there are more things to think about than who the manager is, but knowing who the manager and coaching staff is an important thing.”
Klopp added that his commitment to the Liverpool project would be only one of the many factors to consider for Salah and Mane, when making a decision. “If it is a positive sign for the boys, then great, but I don’t think this will be the one decisive thing for whatever decision they have to make. It’s their own life. We just wanted to guarantee that everyone who wants to be here knows what he can expect.”
Liverpool may also have to convince Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino, as their contracts, just like Mane and Salah’s, expire next summer.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Kyiv City Council. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.