Klopp on Mane, Salah staying on at Liverpool: It’s their own life

Jurgen Klopp’s contract extension as the manager of Liverpool has raised the question of whether star forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will also stay back. 

Speaking to SkySports, ahead of the fixture against Newcastle United, Klopp said, “That is more a question for the boys, what it exactly means for them but all fine, my relationship with them is great”, adding, “My point is in life there are more important things to think about, not only who is the manager but knowing who the manager and coaching staff is is an important thing because when you know what you have with other clubs where you could go, you don’t know exactly.” 

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The 54-year-old continued, addressing how his extension may affect the squad. Klopp said, “If it is a positive sign for the boys, great, but I don’t think this will be the one decisive thing for whatever decision they want to make”, concluding, “It is their own life but we just wanted to guarantee that everyone who wants to be here knows what he can expect.” 

Klopp was earlier slated to remain at Anfield till 2024 but has now extended the contract by two more years till 2026. He spoke of this in the SkySports interview too, saying, “There is no 100 per cent in this business but I think it is pretty likely I will stay for a little bit longer because other coaches are there at other clubs.”

However, the Merseyside club will see numerous players whose contracts expire in 2023, including Mane, Salah, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita.

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Liverpool, over seasons, has amassed good squad depth and currently, the Reds are poised to win an unprecedented quadruple. They have already won the EFL Cup and remain contenders for the Premier League title as well, breathing down Manchester City’s neck. The Merseyside club faces Chelsea in the FA Cup final and has already won the first leg of their Champions League semis against Villarreal, at Anfield.