Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted to his mixed emotions after Sadio Mane reached the World Cup at Mohamed Salah's expense, while hitting out at the treatment of the Egyptian forward in Dakar.
Senegal beat Egypt on penalties in their qualifying play-off, with Salah missing from the spot. However, Salah was targeted with lasers shone from the crowd before firing his kick off-target, prompting Egypt to demand a replay.
Former Roma forward Salah sparked questions about his future with his dressing room comments after the game, having also suffered Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak against Senegal in January. The Egyptian has returned to England ahead of a Saturday meeting with Watford in the Premier League, and Klopp has shared his thoughts.
“I’m, obviously, really happy for Sadio that he could make it, and I’m really disappointed and feel for Mo," Klopp said ahead of the Watford game. "I don’t think the situation around the penalty and the lasers was particularly cool, that’s clear as well.
“I feel for him, but I’m happy for Sadio as well. That’s football, we are used to this all of the time.
“It’s different when two mates in such a big game play against each other, but they are both top professionals and very emotional people. But I’m sure they will deal with it in the right way."
Egyptian FA chief Gamel Allam spoke about the situation after the defeat. "We asked for a replay of the match because the match was held in a strange atmosphere, and if we had lost in normal circumstances, we would have congratulated Senegal," Allam said (via Youm7 Sport ).
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Mane has sent a message thanking Senegal's fans after the victory. It will be the Lions of Teranga's third World Cup, and their second in a row after they were eliminated in the group stage in 2014.
Dear supporters. We have felt your incredible support, how can we not take the time to thank you all," he said on Instagram.
"We dedicate this qualification to you. Senegal for ever. Thank you"
“There is no doubt at the moment that Senegal is probably the best team in Africa," Klopp said after Aliou Cisse's side followed their AFCON victory with another big win. "Egypt did really well, they took it to the wire and twice in a penalty shootout, that’s as close as you can get in a game.
“Senegal has an extremely talented squad, and Egypt did really well. I’m not sure they will see it like this, but in my opinion they should because you cannot get closer than they did.
“They were a bit unlucky with the draw, against pretty much all other teams Egypt would have qualified for the World Cup, but because it was Senegal again it was not enough.”
