Jurgen Klopp calm over future of star man Mohamed Salah

Liverpool hope Mohamed Salah will follow the lead of Roberto Firmino and sign a new contract. (AFP)

• Roberto Firmino has signed a new contract
• Liverpool boss hopes Salah will do the same

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp is confident Roberto Firmino agreeing to a new five-year deal to stay at Liverpool will convince Mohamed Salah to remain a Red.
The Egyptian ace was named Football Writers’ Player of the Year yesterday to only underline the huge impact he has had since moving to Anfield last summer. His 43 goals in all competitions has seen him become on of the most sought-after players in Europe with a host of big names, Real Madrid among them, said to eager to entice him from Liverpool once the season is over.
But Klopp did not display any worry that he might lose his most-prized player when asked ahead of the Champions League semifinal against Roma. And that is all done to Firmino signing on the dotted line.
The Brazilian striker signed a new deal on Sunday and Klopp said: “I am happy to have Roberto around — he’s just a good boy in the dressing room. It’s perfect, unbelievably important news for us. Really cool.
“At the moment every player knows about our plans. He’s the first (to commit) but for sure he won’t be the last.”
While Salah has, understandably, received most of the plaudits and accolades the Liverpool march to possible Champions League glory has been far from a one-man show. Firmino and Sadio Mane have both been key to Klopp’s side impressing both in Europe and the Premier League, where they currently lie in third spot behind the two Manchester clubs.
On Firmino the German boss added: ““I heard what he said about it being an easy decision for him and I can really imagine that it was. He knows and absolutely appreciates this club. The other boys really respect him for all the work he’s doing. 
“This constant discussion about whether he’s under-valued or whatever in public, this never happened for one second either in the club or in the team. 
“He feels completely comfortable and is planning for the long-term here. That’s becoming rare because if you are not Barcelona or not Real Madrid then there’s usually another club somewhere you can go. It’s really good news for us. He’s absolutely a big factor in our future.”
Meanwhile, Salah’s latest personal gong was confirmed yesterday when he followed up his PFA Player of the Year award with the Football Writers’ Player of the Year Award.
The 25-year-old narrowly topped the poll of the 400-strong FWA membership ahead of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, the margin understood to be less than 20 votes. Tottenham striker Harry Kane was third.
Between them and De Bruyne, who helped City claim the Premier League title with five games remaining, collected more than 90 percent of the journalists’ votes.