Liverpool's manager, Jurgen Klopp, has made a surprising statement regarding the upcoming 2023 AFCON (African Cup of Nations) tournament.
In a candid statement, Klopp expressed that he would welcome an early exit for Egypt if it meant the swift return of star player Mohamed Salah.
Salah's absence during the AFCON, scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast, poses a significant challenge for Liverpool. With the potential of losing Salah for over a month, Klopp's primary concern is ensuring the Egyptian forward's quick return to Anfield.
The manager's sentiments extend to wishing a less fortunate journey for Egypt in the group stages of the tournaments. Klopp's reasoning is straightforward: a group stage exit could expedite Salah's return to Liverpool, potentially cutting short the period without his crucial services.
A semi-final qualification for Egypt in the AFCON would mean Salah returning only midway through February. Klopp's hesitation to wish the team luck stems from his eagerness to see Salah back in the Liverpool squad as soon as possible.
“I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie,” Klopp said ahead of the FA Cup tie at Arsenal.
“From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they go out in the group stage but that’s probably not possible. They can go on and win it.
“So it was ‘good luck and come back healthy’. We have to deal with it and we will deal with it.
“I am pretty positive that we will find a way,”