‘Liverpool can compete with Real Madrid so they don’t need to move’: Nicolas Anelka urges Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to resist Bernabeu temptation as he praises ‘genius’ Jurgen Klopp for ending title drought
- Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have helped Liverpool to Premier League glory
- Former Reds striker Nicolas Anelka believes both could strengthen Real Madrid
- Anelka struggled in La Liga and has encouraged the front pair to stay at Anfield
- The retired star has expressed his respect for Roberto Firmino and Jurgen Klopp
Former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka has told Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to stay at Anfield and target more Premier League glory.
The potent pair have been linked with moves abroad but Anelka knows the pressure they would face at the Bernabeu from his own brief unsuccessful spell there after leaving Arsenal in 1999.
Anelka, who had a 20-match loan spell at Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001/02 season, told the Liverpool Echo: ‘It’s an amazing front three.
Nicolas Anelka has told striker Mohamed Salah that Liverpool is ‘very much the place to be’
The former France hotshot also wants Sadio Mane (right) to resist overtures from other clubs
‘I love them all, especially Roberto Firmino because he is the key for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s success.
‘Salah and Mane are ranking in the top five best players in the world right now. They have the quality to play for Real Madrid.
‘But today Liverpool can compete with Real Madrid so they don’t need to move. Liverpool is very much the place to be.’
Manager Jurgen Klopp has led his side to their first Premier League title in 30 years and the Champions League in the past 13 months, with his preferred strikers playing a pivotal role and contributing 44 league goals this season.
Nomadic hitman Anelka scored four times in 20 games during a loan spell at Anfield from PSG
Anelka has described current Reds boss Klopp as a ‘genius’ who will ensure long-term success
‘The players can be proud after 30 years of waiting,’ said Anelka, who retired in 2015.
‘It’s a shame it had to come at the same time as this coronavirus so they won’t be able to celebrate with the fans like they should. But it’ll do.
‘Jurgen Klopp is a genius. I love his work, the way he is with his players and the players he has signed. They’re top-class players. They’ll be competitive for many years.’
Anelka scored 37 goals in 89 appearances for dethroned champions Manchester City between 2002 and 2005, and is a great admirer of current City boss Pep Guardiola.
He said: ‘It’s been a great battle since Guardiola and Klopp took over. To have these two coaches increases the level in the Premier League.
‘It’s nice to see them fight it out at the top and I hope it’ll be like that for many years. I love both teams but I’ll always have a special feeling for Liverpool.’
