MOHAMED SALAD has blamed his barren run against Manchester United on them defending “in a different way” – but he has a plan to “confuse” them.
The Egyptian forward and his Liverpool team-mates sit 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase their first title in 30 days.
Mo Salah is desperate to break his duck against Man United on SundayCredit: AFP
Their bitter rivals United head to Anfield on Sunday as the only team to take points off the reds this season.
And they are also one of just two top-flight clubs Salah is yet to score past – a record he is keen to change.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 27-year-old said: “I think Manchester United play against me in a different way to some other players.
“They defend against me in a different way.
“It’s a challenge, but I’m happy about that. As long as the team are winning, I’m always happy.”
Salah struck a record-breaking 44 goals in his debut season at Liverpool, but since then he is fully aware of the extra attention he has been receiving from defences.
He explained: “In the first year when I came here, I was playing more as a winger.
“Then, in the second year, it was a real challenge to see what I could do when the other teams came to defend against me on the wing, and I knew that there would always be two players waiting for me there.
I try to study the opponent before we play. I try to find in my head the way I’m going to score against them.
Mo Salah
“I had to change my positioning. Now, sometimes I go inside and play more in that part of the pitch, and sometimes I play number nine.
“It was a challenge, that change, but I think I’m doing well. I finished as top scorer for the team again last season, which is something great.
“For every game, I try to study the opponent before we play. I try to find in my head the way I’m going to score against them.
“I think it’s working well because I have scored many goals for the team. I think there’s a lot I am improving and there is a lot of room to improve more.”
The former Chelsea and Roma attacker added: “Also, I can’t focus too much on just scoring or finishing myself, because that means my game won’t really change and my opponents will figure out how to defend against me.
“If sometimes I get the ball and create a chance or give an assist, I can confuse them.
“It’s about being clever.”
Sadio Mane beats Salah and Mahrez to be named African Player of the Year
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
