Mohamed Salah on 'sensitive' Liverpool contract talks: 'It's not the time to talk'
Watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm; watch Geoff Shreeves' extended interview with Mo Salah from 1pm on Sunday
Saturday 9 April 2022 13:41, UK
Mohamed Salah has told Sky Sports it is not the right time to talk about his contract situation at Liverpool with the club looking to secure a historic quadruple.
Salah, whose contract expires in June 2023, is close to agreeing a new deal with the club to keep him until the end of his career.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is "happy" with the forward's contract talks which are being discussed between the "decisive parties", but speaking to Sky Sports' Geoff Shreeves ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with league leaders Manchester City, which is live on Sky Sports from 4pm (kick-off 4.30pm), Salah was not giving much away about his future at Anfield.
The Egypt international described his ongoing contract talks as a "sensitive situation" but said now is not the time to be selfish and talk about his contract situation as he focuses on Liverpool's Premier League title run-in, and potentially winning four trophies come the end of the season.
When asked about what he could say about his contract situation at Liverpool, he said: "Well not much but honestly, but what I can say is there many things people don't know about it.
"I can't be selfish and talk about my situation. We are in the most important period for the team so I have to just talk about the team, focus on what is coming with the team and that is the most important thing.
"That is all I can say. Hopefully we are going to be more optimistic and see what is going to happen."
When asked if he was confident a new contract would be sorted out at Liverpool, he added: "I can't say yes, I can't say no but I have said many times before about what I want. But again, I can't go deep into my contract now because it is a really sensitive situation.
"The team need to win and I can't be just going into the news and just talking about my contract. I just focus with the team, and that is it."
Liverpool have tied down a number of senior players to new deals this season, but fans are still waiting for Salah to sign a new contract.
Despite the protracted contract talks, Salah insists the speculation will not affect his performances on the pitch.
"No, not at all," he said when asked if his performances are affected by the talk around his future at Anfield.
"I've talked with the manager from time to time and I'm very professional, I know my job very well.
"I'm almost the first one here and the last one to leave. I know what I am doing. So, I am not bothered about that. I am just focussing on the team. That is the most important thing for me.
"I'm focused to win trophies and I am giving everything to the club that I can."
Watch Geoff Shreeves' extended interview with Mo Salah from 1pm on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday
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Salah: Man City have an easier run-in
Champions Manchester City host second-placed Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with pep Guardiola's side holding a slender one-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table.
The Reds, who are on a run of 10 consecutive Premier League wins, have chipped away at the points deficit between them and City this year, slashing what looked like an unsurmountable14-point lead to just one point, and victory on Sunday would send Jurgen Klopp's side to the league summit.
However, despite Liverpool's recent momentum, Salah thinks City still hold the advantage, especially with Sunday's game at the Etihad and also an easier run-in on paper.
"They are a point ahead and play at home," he said. "I think that gives them more of an advantage.
"However, we are experienced players now and we've played together for four or five years. We know how to play big games.
"Hopefully we will win the next game but if you ask me about advantage, they have more of an advantage because they are a point ahead and are at home.
He added: "The most important thing for us is not to lose the game, but if we lose the gap is going to be bigger.
"The manager talked to us today and just said enjoy the moment and just go for it."
Salah on Liverpool's quadruple bid: 'We are really close'
Liverpool's quest for a historic quadruple continues at City on Sunday as Klopp's side look to take a significant step towards reclaiming the Premier League title.
They already have the League Cup in the bag, while they put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 win at Benfica in the first leg of their last-eight clash.
Then there's the exciting prospect of another game with Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 16, and Salah thinks Liverpool are very close to doing something special this season.
"We wish we can do four," he said.
"We've never done four before. This season we are really close and we are in top form.
"We've won the last 10 games in the Premier League so we are in a good way, and hopefully we can win the next game.
"We look at this situation now and we just have to enjoy it. We can't be in this situation and feel pressure. We just have to enjoy it and go for everything."
When asked if he's dared to think what it would be like to win four trophies, he added: "I have already visualised it so it would be a lovely feeling. Hopefully we can win four and have some fun times in the city."
Watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm
Man City vs Liverpool: Nev, Carra, Keane & Richards in studio
Manchester City's huge Premier League clash against Liverpool takes place on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
With just one point currently separating champions City and Liverpool at the top of the table, the outcome is likely to have major implications for the title race.
Coverage at the Etihad Stadium starts at 4pm on Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event, with kick-off at 4.30pm.
There will be a bumper line-up in the Sky Sports studio with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Micah Richards all in attendance.
Here's how to watch and follow the game on Sky Sports...
Liverpool's fixture schedule:
April 10 - Man City (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
April 13 - Benfica (h) Champions League QF second leg
April 16/17 - Man City (Wembley) FA Cup semi-finals
April 19 - Man United (h) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
April 24 - Everton (h) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
April 26/27 - Villarreal/Bayern Munich Champions League SF first leg *
April 30 - Newcastle (a) Premier League
May 3/4 - Villarreal/Bayern Munich Champions League SF second leg *
May 7 - Tottenham (h) Premier League
May 10 - Aston Villa (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 14 - FA Cup final *
May 15 - Southampton (a) Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 22 - Wolves (h) Premier League
May 28 - Champions League final *
* Subject to progress
Watch Man City vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm