Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has told his team-mates that qualifying for the Champions League is “not optional”.
The Egyptian shrugged off reports that he could leave the club at the end of the season.
The Reds host West Ham at Anfield on Saturday afternoon sitting third in the table, but with just a two-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Salah says Liverpool have no option but to finish in the top four of the Premier League this campaign.
Salah said: “We must finish in the top four, it is not optional, we have to work hard and fight for it, We have fantastic players, manager and fans, everyone deserves it.”
“The atmosphere is unbelievable,” said Salah.
“When I was here four years ago, I played against Liverpool and I said, ‘One day, I have to play here.’ The fans are fantastic and that is what I can say.
“From day one, I feel the support and that they like me, so I have to give more to make them happy. Every day I see and feel that, even in the warm-up, so it is a fantastic atmosphere. I am happy to hear that every game [the chants for him] and feel the love of the fans. I am happy about everything right now.”
“Since I left the Premier League the first time, I wanted to come back, I love to play in the Premier League, I enjoy the football. I did not have a chance to play at Chelsea, but when I had the chance here, I am trying to show everyone my football.
