Liverpool star insists he and teammates have no issue with Salah talking up UCL final

The 23-year-old right-back claims he can understand why Salah is talking up the clash against Carlo Ancelotti's side, saying it is personal for the Egypt international.

Salah is seeking revenge in the French capital, having been forced off injured after a challenge by Sergio Ramos four years ago, the Egyptian leaving the pitch in tears.

Liverpool lost 3-1 on that occasion, but Klopp's side made considerable amends by winning the competition the following year, beating Tottenham 2-0 in Madrid.

After Real booked their place in the final following a dramatic 6-5 aggregate victory over Manchester City, Reds forward Salah posted on social media: "We have a score to settle."

Salah had earlier said after Liverpool progressed to final following victory over Villarreal: "We lost in the final against them [Real Madrid], so I want to play against them and hopefully win it from them as well."

And Alexander Arnold admitted he and his teammates are extra motivated by their heartache in 2018 ahead of the rematch.

"The fact we lost to Real Madrid in the 2018 final means everyone has that bit of motivation to get one back", Alexander-Arnold told blockasset's Block Party podcast.

However, Alexander-Arnold believes his teammates are fully focussed, and all emotions are put aside ahead of Saturday's encounter.

"Mo [Salah] obviously has a personal reason, getting injured in that final and not being able to play on, but for everyone, it's a big game," Alexander-Arnold added.

"When it comes down to it, the emotions have to be put aside, and they will be, Mo knows that. None of the lads have had a problem with Mo speaking out about how it's personal and it's revenge time.

"Whatever we need to use as motivation, we will, but when it's time to get to work on Saturday, the emotions will be put aside and we've got 90 minutes of football to play, let's go and win it."

Salah has since revealed he is relishing the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the Spanish champions.

"I'm very motivated after what happened with Madrid last time," he said at a pre-final press conference.

"And, after what happened on Sunday [Liverpool missing out on the Premier League title], everyone is motivated to win the Champions League. Everybody is excited for it.

The 29-year-old also put to bed rumours he could be leaving Liverpool this summer, despite failing to agree fresh terms on a new contact so far.

"In my mind I don't focus on the contract at the moment. I don't want to be selfish. I'm staying next season for sure", Salah added.

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