LIVERPOOL: Mohamed Salah’s slow start to the season is not causing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to lose any sleep.
The 26-year-old Egyptian star — who had a disappointing World Cup after entering it with a shoulder injury he suffered in the Champions League final — has scored just twice this term.
Klopp’s lack of concern over his form is supported by the 44 goals he scored in all competitions after a similarly slow start in his first season with the club.
“Wow, that’s a crisis,” said Klopp sarcastically ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Southampton on Saturday.
“No one remembers that (his slow start last season), it is really no problem.”
Klopp, whose side have begun the season in great style and are yet to drop a point after five Premier League matches despite Salah’s lack of goals, admitted the Egyptian’s superb record had raised expectations.
“Of course, of course everyone expects that, that is clear,” he said.
“We don’t expect that. We want him to score as often as possible. It is completely normal everyone expects that.”
The German, whose side opened their Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 home win over French champions Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, said Croatian central defender Dejan Lovren, who has yet to feature after picking up a hip problem at the World Cup, is getting closer to return to the squad.
“Dejan is close,” said Klopp. “He looks really fit. He did a lactate test last week so fitness-wise he is — for his situation — on a really OK level.
“He is not for the squad for the weekend, of course, but we will see how soon we can try to involve him again.”
Mohamed Salah’s slow start to the season no problem for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Mohamed Salah’s slow start to the season no problem for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
- After this record-breaking season last campaign the Egyptian ace has only two goals so far this term.
- Liverpool face Southampton this weekend having won all five matches so far.
Sara Bejlek celebrates career-first WTA Tour win at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- 20-year-old qualifier beats Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6, 6-1 in the final
- Alexandrova and Maya Joint sealed the women’s doubles title
ABU DHABI: The final day of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open was a memorable one for 20-year-old Sara Bejlek as she captured her maiden WTA Tour title in only her second appearance at this level.
Ekaterina Alexandrova and Maya Joint claimed the doubles crown, while Yui Kamiji won the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Invitational presented by the WTA Foundation.
Bejlek, competing in her tournament debut as a qualifier, defied the odds by defeating pre-match favorite Alexandrova, who was chasing an Abu Dhabi double having reached both the singles and doubles finals. With her 7-6, 6-1 victory, Bejlek became the first Czech player to win the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title.
Bejlek said after the win: “I’m getting back into shape, and it feels incredible. Now I know I can compete with anyone and not be scared of anybody. My team believed in me even before I stepped back on court, and now I truly believe it too.
“I’ve learned that as long as the match isn’t finished, I always have a chance. I’m really happy with how my team is working with me, and today Abu Dhabi has become my favorite tournament.”
In the doubles, Alexandrova responded strongly after her singles final defeat to claim the title alongside Australian Joint. The pair secured a 6-3, 6-7, 10-8 victory over Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a fiercely contested but rain-delayed match.
Earlier in the day, World No.1 Kamiji made history when she won the inaugural wheelchair event 6-3, 6-2. The final against 20 grand slam title winner Jiske Griffioen on the ADCB Court 1 attracted huge crowds as both players displayed their skills for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
Kamiji said after the win: “I’m really happy to get the opportunity to play here; it’s such a great tournament and the courts are fantastic as well. My goal for the season is to win the title I haven’t been able to get yet, which is the Wimbledon singles.”
In the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, there was some outstanding finals between the most talented youngsters in the country. In the Under-12 category, Uchechukwu (Megan) Uzokwe and Yezid Baccouche were crowned champions. Isabelle James secured her third consecutive Road to MADO title, while Marwan Safi claimed the Under-14 boys’ crown. In the Under-16 category, Saida Ismail eared the girls’ title and Timur Gordeev lifted his third consecutive trophy in the competition.
Monica Puig, Olympic gold medalist in tennis and tournament presenter, said: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is the first of three tournaments in the Middle East, and is a special event to be part of. The fans have made it an incredible week, and they always turn out for this tournament, so that is really great to see.
“Sara (Bejlek’s) performance was impressive for a 20-year-old because I never saw her at any point look nervous on the court. She just stuck to her guns and did what she needed to do, and I’m really excited to keep an eye on her.”
Nigel Gupta, tournament director for the event, said: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has once again proven to be a fantastic tournament, with sell-out crowds creating an incredible atmosphere and fans were treated to world-class tennis throughout the week. Seeing Bejlek win her first WTA Tour title was truly unbelievable and a joy for everyone watching.
“It was also incredibly exciting to showcase wheelchair tennis at this event for the first time — the level, skill and competitiveness on display was outstanding. We’re already looking ahead to how we can continue building this tournament and ensuring it continues to be an event that everyone looks forward to each year.”
