UEL: Why Jurgen Klopp Told Mo Salah to ‘Just Stop Defending’ vs Sparta Prague

• Liverpool outclassed Sparta Prague 6-1 at Anfield on Thursday
• Mohamed Salah was on target with a goal in the 10th minute
• Klopp revealed he told Salah something he’s never told a player before

Jurgen Klopp broke his own rules as he told Mohamed Salah something he ‘has never told a player before’ during Liverpool’s emphatic win over Sparta Prague.

The Reds are intent on finishing the season on a high in Klopp’s last campaign as manager at Anfield, and it showed against their Czech Republic opponents in the Europa League last 16 second leg on Thursday.

Despite leading 5-1 from the first leg, Liverpool showed no signs of slowing down, and had all but won the match by the 14th minute thanks to goals by Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

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In the second half, Liverpool added two more goals through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo as Klopp's side secured an impressive 11-2 aggregate win, per BBC.

What Klopp told Salah

Before the game, Jurgen Klopp was adamant his star forward Salah would not play the full 90 minutes as he continues to test out his fitness after coming back from injury.

“I am not sure he (Salah) is ready for 90 minutes or that we should do 90 minutes, but he is ready to start. That’s how it is.” Klopp said before the game.

But the 31-year-old Egyptian, who got a goal and assist, was not substituted and featured for the entire game, albeit without any pressure.

His planned substitution was superseded by Clark’s ankle injury, and the Egyptian had to see out the remainder of the game on the pitch.

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In fact, Klopp admitted he exempted Salah from defensive duties at some point in the game, something he has never done before in his career.

“He is experienced enough that he could recover during the game. I told him not to run; I don’t think I’ve ever told a player to do that before!” Klopp told TNT Sports.

He added: “I think it’s the first time I told any player: ‘Just stop defending. He is very experienced, so he got easy over the line.”

What next for Liverpool?

Klopp hopes Salah remains fit enough for Sunday’s crunch FA Cup clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The last time the Merseysiders visited the Red Devils, the game ended in a 2-1 defeat for Klopp’s side.

Who are in Europa League last 8?

Sports Brief also reported on teams that are in the Europa League quarter finals.

Liverpool were joined by other European heavy hitters in the quarters, including runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite a poor season by their standards domestically, West Ham are having a dream run in Europe as they beat SC Freiburg in the last 16 to advance.