Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp was accused of calling AFCON a small tournament, but he denied saying so and insisted he was misquoted
By Kehinde Okeowo
Liverpool gaffer, Jurgen Klopp, has counselled Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday in Cameroon, saying one of them will suffer heartbreak at the sound of the final whistle.
The German tactician gave this advice during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Cardiff City on Sunday.
Mane and Salah, who are friends and teammates, are expected to clash when Senegal take on Egypt at the 2021 AFCON final in Cameroon.
The Pharaohs of Egypt defeated hosts Cameroon after a shootout in the semifinal, while the Teranga Lions of Senegal dispatched Burkina Faso 3-1 to set up the encounter.
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The North African country will be attempting a record 8th title when they face their West African counterpart, who are hoping to win the trophy for the first time.
Jurgen Klopp while speaking during the press conference congratulated his lads, Mane, Salah and Nabi Keita for a good outing at the tournament.
He, however, told the Egyptian and the Senegalese to be prepared for the heartbreak that comes with losing a final when the referee brings a final to an end.
He said “Great achievement for both [Salah and Mane] getting through to the [AFCON] final.
“Naby [Keita of Guinea] played an exceptional tournament as well. So far, a really successful tournament for our boys and it will be exciting.
“It won’t be easy because one will be really happy afterward and one less so. It’s a chance to achieve something really big.”
On whether Salah and Mane will be available for Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Leicester on Thursday, Klopp added: “I think they will be available, but we will see.
“Tuesday or Wednesday is the latest the winner will be back, the other slightly earlier. I have to talk to them. They have rhythm as they have played quite a few games!”
