Mo Salah says he “can’t say yes or no” to the question of whether he is confident he will agree a new contract with Liverpool.
But the Anfield icon insisted that he is unconcerned about negotiations dragging on - and insisted he will not allow it to affect his performance as the Reds chase an historic quadruple. Salah argued that it would be “selfish” to think about himself and his position now, with the club in the midst of an unprecedented pursuit of honours.
But he hinted there is still a way to go in talks when he said, when asked if he is confident he will sign a new deal: “I can’t say yes I can’t say no. I’ve said a million times before about what I want, but I can’t go deep into the contract now - I can’t go into the news about my contract now, because the team needs to win.
“There is not much I can say, honestly what can I - say there are many things people don’t know about it. I can’t be selfish. We are in the most imp period for the team. So I just have to talk about the team, focus on what’s important for the team. Hopefully we are going to be more optimistic and see what will happen (with the contract).”
Salah’s form has dipped in recent weeks, and there is even talk that he will be dropped for the weekend visit to Manchester City, with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota in sparkling form. But he insisted he is ready for the challenge, and argued that all the focus on his contract will not deflect him from what is far more important to himself, and to his team-mates: winning those three remaining trophies this season.
”It doesn’t affect me at all,” he said of the fevered speculation surrounding his contract negotiations. I know my job very well, I know what I am doing, and I know the situation the club is in, so I am not bothered about that (contract ). I am just focusing on the team, and giving everything I have for the club.”
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Boss Jurgen Klopp also spoke about Salah in his press conference ahead of the huge showdown with Manchester City, and he hinted that the striker WILL play, despite some speculation about him being rested.
Speaking about his forward and the knowledge he has gained in winning trophies in recent seasons, he said there is no substitute for big game experience…and that offered the biggest hint he will keep faith in Salah. The Liverpool icon has been struggling for form of late, and produced perhaps his worst display of the season in the Champions League win against Benfica, where he was dragged off after an hour.
Salah’s dramatic dip in form has prompted a huge debate over whether he should start against Manchester City in the title decider at the weekend. But when asked if experience counts for anything in such a massive showdown, he replied: “Yes, big game experience helps, definitely. It is not the only important thing you consider when you make a line-up but it’s one of these. That’s it.”
