Klopp calls for ‘calm’ over future of key players

Jurgen Klopp insists “no one has to worry” about the future of Liverpool’s star players, with the contracts of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold due to expire in the summer of 2025.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League fixture with Chelsea on Wednesday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – Klopp said: “It’s completely normal.

“A week ago no one knew about my situation. There was still 18 months on their contracts and no one asked, so give us a break. No one has to worry.

“Write what you want, the club is stable. Everything will be fine, I’m 100% sure. I would recommend to stay calm. Very often the fans’ concerns are not as big as you might think. You underestimate the intelligence of our supporters.”

“These players love to be here, I know that for a fact, don’t forget that,” added Klopp.

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“It is not that they have one foot out. They want to know a little bit of perspective but that will happen, especially behind the scenes.

“The club knew about my departure already for a while. They could have used the time and tied the players down [to new deals].

“Then I say, ‘by the way, I’m not here anymore’ and they say, ‘nobody told us that’. You cannot work like that, especially not with the relationship we have.

“There’s enough time to do everything.”

Meanwhile, Klopp revealed that Mohamed Salah will miss the upcoming games against Chelsea and Arsenal, despite Egypt being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.

But the 31-year-old is still recovering from the hamstring injury sustained in the 2-2 draw with Ghana.

“Mo is not ready for this [Chelsea] game, [or] the next game [at Arsenal],” said Klopp.

“He’s injured. It’s a muscle injury, that takes time. It could’ve been much worse but he’s not available at the moment. He’s just doing his rehab.”

How to watch Liverpool v Chelsea?

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Liverpool v Chelsea will be live on TNT Sports 1 and ultimate with coverage from 19:00 on Tuesday, January 30 ahead of kick-off at 19:30.

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