Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has described manager Jurgen Klopp as a "very close" friend of his since arriving at Anfield last summer.

The Egyptian forward took little time to settle into his new surroundings, scoring 43 times in all competitions in a memorable campaign for the Reds.

Salah's goals have also helped Liverpool to the final of the Champions League, with Real Madrid their opponents in Kiev on Saturday night, and the Golden Boot winner has heaped praise on Klopp ahead of the huge showdown.

"From the first day, we were friends - he treated me like a friend so we are very close to each other, but still he is the boss and I am the player," he told reporters. "As a coach - as you can see - everyone knows him.

"Of course, you do the things that he wants, but he gives you the freedom to play your own style of football. He always gives players the confidence to do what they want to do in games.

"It helps you to perform better. That's his strength. It's not just for me, it's for everyone. Everyone has confidence and that's why we score so many goals."

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 to his name, has scored more goals in this season's Champions League than Salah's 10.