Mohamed Salah’s second-half turnaround should surprise no one, says Jurgen Klopp

LONDON – Nobody should be surprised that Mohamed Salah was able to recover from missing a penalty to score twice in a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United on Jan 1 that gave English Premier League leaders Liverpool a three-point cushion, manager Jurgen Klopp said.

Salah missed a spot kick in a frustrating, goal-less first half at Anfield but changed his boots at half-time before breaking the deadlock with a 49th-minute strike and then converting another penalty in the 86th for his 151st league goal for Liverpool.

“We should not be really surprised that Mo can change a game, can improve in the game, because he did it hundreds of times,” Klopp said.

“But he’s just a really good example. The more goals you have, the more you’re used to missing chances and the more you understand what you have to do to keep going, improving, using the situations better, and that’s what Mo did.”

Salah, who will join up with Egypt for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign starting on Jan 14, is now the joint top scorer in the league with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland on 14.

The forward credited his change of boots for his two goals.

“It’s not superstitious because I play with many boots. But when I feel it’s going to play with my head, okay, out, change the boots,” said the 31-year-old.

Liverpool thoroughly dominated against Newcastle on a wild and rain-drenched evening, with 34 shots to the visitors’ five, and 15 shots on target.

Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo scored the other two goals for the Reds, while Alexander Isak and Sven Botman netted for the Magpies.

“I didn’t have to look at the stats, because I saw it. It was really special,” Klopp added of his side’s attacking display.

“We didn’t stop, that’s the most important thing.”

A couple of weeks after calling out the Anfield crowd for two uncharacteristically quiet games, the Liverpool boss had nothing but praise for the fans who braved the blustery conditions on New Year’s Day.

“Tonight the atmosphere was absolutely exceptional in how we all took together, these missed chances,” Klopp said.

“It was not like ‘Oh my god, what are they doing?’ and everybody was just really on fire and we go again, we go again, we go again and we did.

“So, super game from start to finish, super high intensity.”

There was a moment of panic for the German when he lost his wedding ring on the pitch after full time while clapping along with the fans. He spent several moments retracing his steps before spotting the ring and then kissing it with a grin for a television camera.

“That would have been really awful,” said a relieved Klopp. “I lost it in the sea once and needed a professional diver. I had a massive shock but it’s back.”

Salah could now miss Liverpool’s next four Premier League games, including a crucial visit to title contenders Arsenal on Feb 4, depending on how far the Pharaohs progress in the Africa Cup of Nations.

But the Egyptian backed his teammates to keep the Reds’ title charge on course for his return.

“Without me I’m sure the players will manage to win the games. We have fantastic players, good quality,” he said.

“Anyone can play my position, can do what I am doing. Everyone just needs to feel free of the pressure to express themselves.”

While Liverpool are flying high, Newcastle (29 points) remain down in ninth and 11 points off the top four. The Magpies also have the second worst away record in the Premier League this season with just five points from 10 games.

“We’re battling to get our best levels back. The effort and determination were there. As long as we continue to see that, we’ll be fine,” said manager Eddie Howe.

“We’re missing a lot of players and we’ve had a lot of tough fixtures in a congested December.” REUTERS, AFP