LONDON: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is relaxed about Mohamed Salah’s goalscoring drought, saying the Egyptian forward remains a key part of the title chasers’ attacking armory.
Salah, who scored 44 times in his maiden season at Anfield, has gone eight matches without finding the net but still has 20 goals in 2018/19 and played a pivotal part in the last-gasp winner against Tottenham on Sunday.
“When everybody is talking about ‘he didn’t score in I don’t know how many games’, he doesn’t seem to be bothered about it. I’m not,” Klopp said on Wednesday.
“For sure we didn’t really speak about it. I think if something is clear and obvious you do speak about it. How do you deal with a situation when he scored 40 goals last year?
“His career’s not over. It’s like if he can score this year 20 goals then he’s scored 60 in the last two. Wow, that’s not too bad.”
Salah’s success last season means he has attracted more attention from opponents in the current campaign, often being double-marked.
It has had the effect, though, of benefiting teammates, with Sadio Mane (20 goals) and Roberto Firmino (14) taking on some of the burden.
“Sometimes you need a bit of time to adapt to the new situations and I don’t think he really needed that,” said Klopp on Salah’s overall value to the side and how he has coped with the close attention.
“He’s a threat. He helps us a lot. He deals with all the new situations for him really well.
“If you have only one (goalscorer), you think maybe you rely a bit too much on that. This year we don’t rely on Mo’s goals, but he’s still in a very good position in comparison to all the other players.
“Seventeen (league) goals is a good number, and there are still a lot of games to come. But it was never a problem. We have 79 points — you cannot have that with a lot of problems over the year.”
Liverpool travel to Southampton on Friday and Klopp reported a clean bill of health after a minor injury worry over defender Virgil van Dijk following the win over Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp relaxed about Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool goal drought
Jurgen Klopp relaxed about Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool goal drought
- Salah, who scored 44 times in his maiden season at Anfield, has gone eight matches without finding the net
- Salah’s success last season means he has attracted more attention from opponents
‘I love winning trophies’ says Desert Vipers’ Sam Curran ahead of start of DP World ILT20 season
- England all-rounder will face off against brother Tom in the competition’s 3rd season
DUBAI: England all-rounder Sam Curran, a serial winner in England in 2024, is hoping he can bring that formula for success to the Desert Vipers in this season’s DP World ILT20.
The 26-year-old won The Hundred with the Oval Invincibles and the County Championship with Surrey last year, and now he wants to start 2025 with some more silverware as the Vipers chase a first title.
Speaking to the Vipers Voices podcast, Curran said: “I guess I love winning trophies. Any player loves winning trophies and the last couple of years I have won a couple, which has been really nice.
“I think one of the keys to that is the culture of this team — that is really important. The vibe and the energy around the group is vital and that is one reason I have come to the Vipers after playing the last part of the season with them last year.
“For me, it links back to coming to a place where I know a lot of people and you can feel comfortable, you can express yourself, you can have a joke, but when you come down to training you can be that serious and energetic group, and train really hard and be honest with each other when you have a bad day.
Curran was one of a group of players that also included Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir, UAE all-rounder Dhruv Parashar and wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri, and England fast bowler Luke Wood, that got together at the ICC Academy on Sunday for a first hit-out ahead of the new season.
The left-armer has chosen to return to the Vipers following his 2024 cameo despite having a number of possible options, with multiple leagues going on around the world at the same time.
Elaborating on his reasoning, Curran said: “The fact is I know quite a lot of people here. Obviously (Desert Vipers director of cricket) Tom Moody is a guy I know really well as he is my head coach at the Oval Invincibles. The Vipers’ strength and conditioning coach, Darren Veness, has worked with me at Surrey for many years and then there is James Foster, the Vipers head coach. There are a lot of familiar faces.
“I liked the environment and the culture last year that was created, even though I was only here for probably 10 days or so. The environment is something that is quite important to me and knowing that I am here for the next five weeks, with a sense we can build something quite nice is a positive.
Director of Cricket Tom Moody and Head Coach James Foster have both talked about their expectations for Curran not just as a batsman and bowler, but also as a senior leader of the team. Curran was player of the tournament when England won the T20 World Cup in Australia just over two years ago, and he captained the Punjab Kings during the 2024 Indian Premier League.
Curran said he was excited about sharing his knowledge and experience.
“Even though I am still fairly young I still feel extremely experienced around T20 cricket,” he said.
“I know the captain Lockie Ferguson quite well having played with him, so I will just be trying to help guys and share my experiences, and hopefully show some performances on the park that will enhance the team’s chances of winning.
Sam Curran’s brother Tom, who was a part of the Desert Vipers squad in season one and missed season two due to injury, has now signed with the Gulf Giants for season three of the DP World ILT20.
It means the brothers will be in opposing teams in this tournament, unusual because they are teammates both at the Oval Invincibles and with Surrey. The upcoming sibling rivalry is something Sam said he was looking forward to.
“I have spoken to Tom about it,” said Sam. He is in Australia now, playing in the Big Bash League, but we have already penned that date in the diary, the Vipers vs. the Gulf Giants!
“We played against each other once or twice in the IPL or twice, I think when he was with Delhi. It will be a very strange feeling but I think now that we are a bit older there will be no love on that field.
“I am sure there will be a lot of bragging rights around the dinner table and I am sure our mum will be there for that as well. I am very excited for that one. Whatever happens, as long as I hit him for six, I will be happy.”
The Vipers, even with Sam slotting in for the last part of last season, failed to make the playoffs in 2024 having been runners-up in season one, but Sam said he was confident the players on duty this time would be able to set the record straight.
“The schedule for this season looks pretty compact and busy, so I think it is probably really important for us to start well and try to get that confidence up.
“The good thing is, there is so much experience in our side. You look at guys like Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Luke Wood and UAE players like Ali Naseer and Tanish Suri — these guys are coming back for the third season, so I am sure they will have learned from that last season and help us to put things right. That is important because the competition is going to keep getting stronger.
The Desert Vipers first match of the 2025 DP World ILT20 is on day two of the tournament, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
AC Milan forward Leao praises ‘incredible’ Riyadh support after Italian Super Cup win
- Milan came back from 2-0 down to beat rivals Inter 3-2 at Al-Awwal Park on Monday
- ‘I must thank the Saudi fans; they have been incredible. They created a beautiful vibe’
RIYADH: AC Milan players praised the support they received in Saudi Arabia for helping to inspire an incredible 3-2 comeback victory in the EA Sports FC Supercup final over holders and rivals Inter Milan in Riyadh on Monday.
Tammy Abraham’s injury-time winner sparked joyous scenes from the AC Milan players, bench and fans packed into Al-Awwal Park, united in celebration of sporting drama at its most thrilling.
Having fallen behind to goals from Inter strikers Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, the Rossoneri produced a turnaround for the ages. Theo Hernandez curled in a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area in the 52nd minute before Christian Pulisic struck home from an angle with 10 minutes remaining.
Pulisic’s exquisite injury-time pass was then latched onto by substitute Rafael Leao to play in fellow sub Abraham for the easiest and most satisfying of tap-ins, providing new manager Sergio Conceicao with a trophy in just his second match in charge following another comeback in the 2-1 win over Juventus in the semifinal on Friday.
“It was not easy, especially the first half but I really believed in the signs the guys gave me during the week,” Conceicao said. “I changed just a few things, and they were good ones; I truly believe in my work and in my staff. We need to have the right mentality to change the rest of the season. I accepted AC Milan and I’m happy. We have been hosted in a wonderful way in Saudi and I want to thank all the organizers and fans.”
Conceicao took over from Portuguese compatriot Paulo Fonseca at the helm of the San Siro side on Dec. 30.
Leao, the Milan No.10 who played a key role in the comeback, said: “I must thank the Saudi fans; they have been incredible. They created a beautiful vibe. Winning something with Milan is full of emotion. It’s a collective win, I also thank all of my team-mates and the coach too. The coach brought a fresh mentality and new energy. We believed it till the end. This trophy is an opportunity to change the rest of the season.”
For Inter, there was only disappointment in a city that has served them so well over the past few years. The Saudi capital has hosted of two of the Nerazzurri’s last three Italian Supercup triumphs, meaning Inter were thwarted in their bid for a treble in Riyadh to crown a record four wins in succession.
Simone Inzaghi, the Inter manager, told the post-final press conference: “We reopened the game with our mistakes and Milan did a few strategic changes. We had to do something more in the last 20 minutes. We will go back with a defeat, but we will do better. We missed good players, but this is football at the end. Losing a derby is hard, but we will react positively and be ready as soon as possible for our following games.”
The Supercup final defeat for Inter followed a late-goal loss in Serie A to AC Milan in September. Serie A champions Inter are currently third in the league, with their city rivals eighth.
Federico DiMarco, the Inter Milan left wing-back, said: “A team like us can’t lose from 2-0. We did a few mistakes and congratulations to Milan. All defeats help us to improve. Losing the derby in a final is not easy, but we will improve and make it better. The team give everything, the opponent was strong. It’s the second time they have scored against us in the final minutes. We will wake up and get ready for the following games. We won the last three Supercups. Everything was beautiful, the vibes were good, but this time I can’t say I’m fully happy.”
Saudi Next Gen Program selects 2 crews for Dakar Rally 2026
- Hamza Bakhashab, Abdullah Alshegawi, Raed Alassaf, Fahad Alamr to represent Saudi Arabia
- Program conducted under direct supervision of Italian driver Edo Mossi
BISHA: The Saudi Next Gen Program has selected drivers Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Alshegawi and their navigators Raed Alassaf and Fahad Alamr as the Kingdom’s representatives for the Dakar Rally 2026.
The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and the Saudi Motorsport Company, through the Saudi Next Gen Program under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, announced the selection of the two crews on Tuesday.
Their selection follows great performances and relevant progress during rigorous training and competitions, marking a significant step in the Vision 2030 initiative to support and develop Saudi talents in motorsports.
The selection process involved rigorous evaluations, including theoretical and practical training sessions as well as field tests led by motorsports experts.
The program was conducted under the direct supervision of Italian driver Edo Mossi, a four-time Dakar finisher, alongside program ambassadors Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Yasir Bin Seaidan, and Mishaal Al-Ghneim.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, the chairman of the SAMF and the Saudi Motorsport Company, said: “We are proud today to announce the winners of the Saudi Next Gen Program, who will have the opportunity of participating in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the most challenging and renowned races in the world.”
He added that the initiative was not merely a competition but part of Saudi Vision 2030, adding: “It is an opportunity to prepare a new generation of exceptional Saudi drivers who will lead motorsports in the Kingdom to new horizons.”
The four talents are to undergo comprehensive preparation, including specialized training on desert terrains, guidance from a seasoned technical team, and logistical support from the organizing entities.
They will also compete in national-level championships to refine their racing skills and build competitive experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for the Dakar Rally.
The announcement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to advance motorsports and nurture a new generation of Saudi drivers to compete globally.
The Saudi Next Gen Program is a key initiative aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a premier destination for motorsports while inspiring Saudi youngsters to pursue their dreams in the field.
The program featured five nominated drivers who participated in rigorous training sessions in Bisha between Dec. 31 and Jan. 5, under the guidance of Mossi. The program included practicing with Yamaha SSV vehicles and navigating five stages designed to simulate desert rally terrain.
Dubai Basketball add 2 top European stars to roster
- French center Jerry Boutsiele, Bosnian guard Kosta Kondic join team during ABA League campaign
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have bolstered their roster with the double signing of French superstar center Jerry Boutsiele and top Bosnian guard Kosta Kondic.
Boutsiele, 32, arrives in Dubai after spending two-and-a-half seasons in Turkiye. He is set to make his debut on Sunday when the team take on Crvena Zvezda in Serbia in their round 16 ABA League game. He averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the Turkish Basketball League, and counts Denain, Cholet, Limoges, Monaco, and Bahcesehir as his former clubs.
Kondic, 23, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal but will have to wait to wear the Dubai jersey as his agreement will see him continue to play for his current club, Mega MIS, as a loan player for the rest of the season. This season he has averaged 27 minutes per game, recording 15.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and two assists for Mega.
The players bring a wealth of experience to Dubai Basketball’s roster, and head coach Jurica Golemac is delighted with the two acquisitions.
He said: “Jerry Boutsiele is a versatile player who will be very valuable to us, both on the offense and defense, and possesses great technical abilities that will strengthen our game on the court in the business end of the season as we push on for a play-off berth.
“He possesses strong experience in Europe, having played in Turkiye and France, which will be crucial to us as we take on the region’s best clubs in the ABA League.”
Regarding Kondic, Golemac said: “There is no doubt that Kosta Kondic is one of the rising young stars in basketball today and we’re thrilled that he has chosen Dubai Basketball as the next chapter in his career.
“Having played against him earlier this season, he has great vision and (the) shooting abilities to cause the opposition problems and we look forward to welcoming him at the end of the season as an official Dubai Basketball player.”
The signings come with Dubai Basketball sitting fourth in the standings with an 11-4 record after an 89-78 defeat against ABA League leaders Buducnost VOLI in round 15.
Dubai Basketball travel to Serbia on Sunday to take on second-placed Crvena Zvezda (13-2). They return to the Coca-Cola Arena on Jan. 19 to face Cedevita Olimpija.
International stars set for 2025 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
- 6 teams to take part in the second edition of the event at Al-Fursan Equestrian Village
ALULA: The 2025 Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo — the world’s first organized desert polo tournament — returns this month for its second edition, promising world-class sport, entertainment and cultural activities.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, the event takes place on Jan. 17-18 at Al-Fursan Equestrian Village.
Friday’s action begins at 1:30 p.m. with three matches. Following a 30-minute period of surface leveling, which includes live entertainment, three more matches will be played in the late afternoon, starting from 3:45 p.m. The day concludes with a networking meet-and-greet session.
Saturday sees the wooden spoon match between the bottom two of the six teams, at 12:30 p.m., and this will be followed by the subsidiary final at 2:15 p.m. and the main final at 4 p.m.
An awards ceremony to crown the champions and issue prizes will then end the event.
This year’s tournament features a lineup of some of polo’s finest players, led by Adolfo Cambiaso, the founder of the famed La Dolfina team and widely regarded as the greatest of all time. Cambiaso will be joined in AlUla by his children Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso Jr. and Mia Cambiaso, while Pablo Mac Donough, Nacho Figueras, and Milly Hine complete the accomplished roster of professionals.
The six teams — AlUla, Richard Mille, Bentley, Budget SA, Dadan, and Ikmah — will be supplemented by international patrons, with Sarah Siegel Magness, Ploy Bhinsaeng, Mohammed El-Sewedy, Miguel Morel, Phillip Muller, and Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi all confirmed as participants. A distinguished group of royal patrons will also compete in the event.
The venue opens at noon with visitors having the opportunity to explore Al-Fursan Village while live performances, interactive entertainment, and special cultural experiences are taking place. Children can also enjoy the Kids Zone, which boasts a range of activities and games.
