Jurgen Klopp has insisted he was 'never in doubt' of Mohamed Salah's commitment to Liverpool as the Reds boss says he does not need passionate goal celebrations from the Egyptian to prove his love for the club.
Klopp's side were sent into bedlam on Sunday afternoon following Alisson Becker's last-gasp header to clinch victory at West Brom and keep the Anfield side well in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Salah was one of the first players to gleefully congratulate the Brazilian goalkeeper after his stunning header, with fans hopeful that the Egyptian's buoyant celebration is a sign that he is committed to the club.
There have been concerns regarding the 28-year-old's future this summer. having teased at a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona after speaking with the Spanish press.
But Klopp maintains that he is in no doubt that Salah remains fully focused on Liverpool and that he doesn't need to see ecstatic goal celebrations to justify his viewpoint.
'I'm not sure why that's a question because you sound like you are surprised,' he said when asked about Salah's celebration at The Hawthorns.
'When he scored at United I could see in his face his determination as well. For me it is difficult to answer this kind of question because i don't feel these things because I know how much Mo is committed to this team and this club.
I don't need a goal celebration to say "look now everyone can see it". He is working his socks off since he is here. I was never in doubt about his love for his team-mates or his club, not for one second.'
Klopp admitted that he has watched Alisson's goal back more than any other goal in his managerial career, but stressed the job is not done as Liverpool travel to Turf Moor to take on Sean Dyche's Burnley.
'We are not even close to thinking we already halfway through because we know how high the hurdles are,' he said prior to Wednesday's game.
'It [a top four finish] would be massive and much better than we would have thought a few weeks ago when it was out of sight for us. We have won a few games and put ourselves in a position and now we want to use that.'
Klopp also paid tribute to Roy Hodgson after the managerial veteran announced he would leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season. The 73-year-old's final game in charge will be against Liverpool at Anfield, and Klopp said he does not envision himself working in football in his seventies.
'No, no chance. Hopefully I am healthy and alive then. That would already be a great achievement but no I would not be coaching anymore then. It is not in my plans at all.
'I have to say I couldn't have more respect for what he did, how long he did it and what level he did it. I'm not sure if he is retiring but on the day he finally finishes football will lose a really great person of the game.'
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is available for the Burnley game after returning from fitness while there is a 'tiny chance' Diogo Jota will be fit for the final game of the season.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com