Jurgen Klopp insists he is completely relaxed about his relationship with Sadio Mane after the forward snubbed post-match congratulations from his Liverpool manager.
A late decision was made in training to start Diogo Jota instead of the Senegal international for the 4-2 win over Manchester United and although he did come off the bench in the second half, Mane was in no mood to welcome an approach from his boss after the final whistle.
Klopp played down the suggestion his player had disrespected him.
“With Mo, from the guy who scores from time to time and is a really good football player to this goal-scoring machine is a massive development.
“He is an outstanding signing, but for sure the way he developed, the way he treats himself, the game preparation, the training preparation, training attitude and all these kind of things, that’s exceptional.
“That’s a real role model and he deserves all that, absolutely.”
While Liverpool are still chasing Champions League football next season Klopp welcomed a change to television scheduling which will see the Saturday lunchtime kick-off moved to 7.45pm if a team is playing midweek in Europe.
“I am sure my voice had nothing to do with that but it’s just the right thing to do. I think it’s an absolutely great decision,” said the Reds boss, an outspoken critic of previous timings.
Despite his form – his second-best goalscoring campaign in his four years at Anfield – Salah has so far failed to make any pundits’ team of the season.
Klopp felt the player was possibly not fully appreciated despite being a two-time Golden Boot winner.
“Yes of course. I don’t know what they did, who they picked. You have to make decisions,” said the Reds boss.
“Obviously it is a strong league so Mo plays again an exceptional season and if he could have played on a more consistent level then his numbers would be different – so even better.
“I can’t have any influence on it if he is sometimes under-appreciated, yes, but that’s the world and other people make decisions about that.
“I’m not sure if it is the most important thing but would he deserve it? Yes.”
