It’s my fault Salah didn’t reach 50 sooner – Klopp

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jan 21, 2019. 12:00

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says it is his fault that Mohamed Salah did not break the Premier League record for the fewest matches to reach the mark of 50 goals.

The Egyptian star netted twice in the Reds’ thrilling 4-3 win over Crystal Palace this past weekend, and he has now scored 50 goals in just 72 games in England’s top flight.

This achievement sees him match former Liverpool hero Fernando Torres, while only Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer got to the half-century mark quicker than Salah.

“Exceptional achievement from a world-class player,” said Klopp after the frenetic match at Anfield.

“Wow, an outstanding number. I heard the names of the other players who got there a bit quicker – Alan Shearer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole – good strikers as well eh?

“Maybe he would have scored more and earlier if I hadn’t played him on the right wing so often. My fault.

“But no, not bad. (He has) helped us a lot. It’s a typical win-win situation. He benefits from the style of play, and the boys benefit of course from his scoring desire. It’s cool.”

Liverpool will return to action next week Wednesday when they face Leicester City away from home in the Premier League.