Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp warns media criticising Mohamed Salah they will eat their words

Salah scored 32 goals in Liverpool’s previous campaign to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer, but has struggled to recapture that ruthless form in the opening weeks of the new season

Jurgen Klopp will talk to Mohamed Salah about his wavering early-season form, but warned the media that they will be made to eat their words should they criticise last season’s golden boot winner.

Salah scored 32 goals in Liverpool’s previous campaign to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer, but has struggled to recapture that ruthless form in the opening weeks of the new season, despite notching three goals.

The Egyptian had several opportunities in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, including one moment when he rounded the Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga only to see his shot cleared off the line by Antonio Rudiger, but he could not find the net.

Asked whether Salah is happy with his own performances, Klopp responded: “Of course not. How could he? Of course not. That is a normal situation. Now, that is what you have a manager for. We will have a talk about it.

Klopp brought off Salah in the second half against Chelsea (Reuters)

“It is easy for me because I do not read what you write but the boys do a little bit more. You will now do like a doctor, dissect. A big nice cut and wow – you will find pretty much nothing. Then it will be good – at the end whatever you write you will say sorry afterwards.”

It was left to Daniel Sturridge, coming off the bench, to supply Liverpool’s moment of inspiration with a stunning long-range equaliser. The goal was his third in three games and Klopp said Sturridge’s aim must now be to perform in Liverpool’s high-octane style for 90 minutes.

“That is the target,” said Klopp. “He played fantastic against PSG. Against PSG, that role exactly. High intensity. He played for 60 or 70 minutes but certainly a long time. And he could have played longer – but we had Bobby [Roberto Firmino, who came off the bench to score the winning goal against PSG]. That must always be the target, to play high intensity over 95 minutes. We have not tried it yet.

“Daniel is a tactical, very, very smart player. He did not have to improve a lot. Since we worked together he had spells that when he was fit, they were not long enough. When he was fit, like in the first season and European league games, stuff like that, Dortmund, he was so decisive and important. Villarreal at home and he scored there. When he was fit, he was always an important part of the team and so he is now.”