Klopp hails hat-trick hero Salah as Reds run riot
Jurgen Klopp hailed Mohamed Salah after his hat-trick against Bournemouth on Saturday propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea.
The Egyptian opened his account midway through the first half, netting the rebound after Asmir Begovic parried Roberto Firmino’s fierce shot.
Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead shortly after half-time with a neat finish and, following a Steve Cook own goal, scored his 10th goal of the Premier League season after beating Begovic twice to complete a 4-0 win.
“The whole game was brilliant from him today — not only the goals,” Klopp told the BBC. “He wanted to help with runs in behind, and scoring three goals is big for him and very important for us. It was really nice. Mo Salah scored that goal (the second one) and I don’t think many would do in that situation.
“The third goal was again brilliant. It is really cool and it helps, of course. We played nice football and the players we brought on did really well.
“It is clear that everyone knows about the quality of Bournemouth. We had to keep the ball and win the ball back as quickly as possible. We did both very often, but not always as they had their moments, too, of course,” Klopp (right) said.
But Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was unhappy with one of Salah’s goals being allowed to stand.
“I have many complaints. He (Salah) was offside for the first goal. It had a huge bearing on the match. We were fine until that moment. It changes the game,” he said.
“It was difficult for us losing Callum Wilson. We have to deal with players who aren’t here and can’t use that as an excuse. We still had a competitive team on the pitch,” he said. “The first goal was key and then we made some mistakes at bad times.
“At half-time I thought we were well in this match. I expected a very different second half. We just had to manage the scoreline. It is a tough league. We are disappointed because it is another game that has gone away from us.”
Salah was awarded the man of the match award, but decided against receiving it — instead handing the prize to team-mate James Milner who celebrated his 500th Premier League game at Bournemouth.
On his own performance, Salah said: “Not a bad way to be back in the goals at all. Top of the table and three goals, it was a fantastic win today. Also, as (James) said, a clean sheet, too.”
Asked which of the three goals he enjoyed scoring most, the Egyptian striker said: “The last one — it was a good one and I was calm.
“My expectations are high, but so are everybody else’s. As I said before, the most important thing is that we are top of the table,” he said.
Liverpool face a tough week ahead — they play Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday, with their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase in the balance, and Manchester United next weekend.
“It is always a huge week,” said Klopp. “Napoli is a tough one and then Man United — we all know what can happen there. Hopefully we can stay fit. Let’s go for it.”