Klopp warns Mo about ‘old-school’ treatment

JURGEN KLOPP has told Mo Salah to expect some rough challenges as both men try to break their Manchester United ducks and make Premier League history.

Salah, the country’s top scorer in the last two seasons, has never found the net against United and was substituted during last season’s 0-0 draw, while Klopp is still seeking his first victory at Old Trafford.

Victory for Liverpool would be their 18th Premier League win in a row to equal the record set by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in his first title season.

Salah (right) is expected to recover from a knock he received against Leicester but can expect another stern physical test against United whose fullbacks, Ashley Young and Luke Shaw, have targeted him in the past.

‘I suppose the more you go without scoring against an opponent there may be one moment when you start scoring,’ said Klopp.

‘There is a reason for these kinds of stories, just like our history and stats against United away, such as the stadium or the intensity of the game.

‘Yes, it is a big test and sometimes there will be old-school challenges and you have to be ready for them. That is how it is.’

Klopp’s own record at Old Trafford is poor, though he did gain a 1-1 draw in his first season at Liverpool to knock Louis van Gaal’s side out of the Europa League.

Liverpool were beaten 2-1 in the league two seasons ago but gained a point last season. ‘We are getting closer,’ Klopp said. ‘If there had been a winner last season it would have been us,’ said the Liverpool manager. ‘We have to be ready to try to use the atmosphere there, stay calm in the right moments and pass at the right moments.

‘To do that you have to grow as a team and we have grown as a team.

‘When I first came here and we went to Old Trafford it was difficult to face that situation. Nobody expected us to win but now the situation has changed. ‘We expect, whoever we play or wherever we go, to have a chance to win the game. ‘We have to go there and play the best football we can play, with the biggest “balls”, being ready for each challenge, fighting for every ball.’

Klopp’s biggest selection poser is in midfield with James Milner staking a claim after his rest during the international break. The 33-year-old is reaping the rewards of retiring from England duty and was given a week off from Liverpool’s training ground.

‘The boys not involved on international duty have a week away.

‘But they have a proper training plan, but not football work,’

‘Having that break is the perfect situation for a footballer at that age so Milly was very smart when he made that decision.

‘It was a conscious decision for him to think what was needed.

‘He has made a lot of smart decisions in his life and that was just another one.’