A few hours before the big clash between Liverpool’s Reds and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, a major last-minute issue is causing a stir in England.
Real Madrid landed on English soil this Tuesday. After a vital victory against Leganés in La Liga last Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will aim to confirm their resurgence at Anfield against Liverpool, currently leading the Champions League group standings. While Vinícius Júnior will be one of the notable absentees from this revenge-flavoured showdown for the English side, Kylian Mbappé will be present to spearhead the Madrid team. On the other side, a solid lineup featuring Mohamed Salah, who has been making headlines lately, awaits.
The statement sparking chaos in England ahead of the clash
As expected, Mohamed Salah, the undisputed star of Liverpool, made an unexpected revelation last Sunday following his team’s victory over Southampton. Asked about his future with the club that made him a global icon, the Egyptian Pharaoh expressed disappointment at the deafening silence from his management regarding a contract extension. “We’re almost in December, and I haven’t received any offer to stay at the club, so I’m probably more out than in,” he revealed.
After scoring a decisive brace for Liverpool, which remains firmly at the top of the Premier League standings, the Egyptian forward’s statement shocked the fans. Despite the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid this Wednesday, the focus around the Reds has shifted mainly to Salah’s chilling disclosure about his future in England. According to sources close to the club, the 32-year-old shouldn’t have brought up this issue so close to such an important game.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher criticised Salah on Sky Sports, describing his comments as poorly timed and unnecessary. “I hope they reach an agreement, but I must say I’m very disappointed in Salah. Liverpool is facing Real Madrid and Manchester City this week; that’s the most important story right now. It’s more important for Liverpool this season than the future of Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or Trent Alexander-Arnold… That’s bigger than any individual player, and this is selfishness. It’s thinking about yourself, not the club,” lamented Carragher.
A controversy Real Madrid can exploit?
With 24 hours to go before this crucial match for Los Blancos, Carlo Ancelotti and his players must capitalise on Liverpool’s unrest. As in previous encounters, all of which have favoured the Whites, they will need to dictate the pace of the game from the very start. Despite the significant absences of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes, players like Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler can seriously challenge Liverpool’s defence and backup goalkeeper.
On paper, Real Madrid enters the match as slight underdogs against Jürgen Klopp’s team, considering the recent performances of both sides. However, with Liverpool seemingly lacking full composure, Madrid could make a statement and reignite their Champions League campaign. In La Liga, things appear to be improving for Madrid following two positive results, coupled with setbacks for FC Barcelona.
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