Zinedine Zidane's comments on Mohamed Salah is a warning to Liverpool

Zinedine Zidane sent a message to Liverpool after being asked about Mohamed Salah and that is: Real Madrid are fully focused on the Champions League tie.

The French manager was asked about whether or not Real Madrid were keen on signing Mo Salah after an interview conducted by the Egyptian with Marca sparked speculation over a potential move to La Liga.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Zidane replied resolutely: "Since he's not our player, I'm not going to get into that. Salah's not our player either, all I'm interested in is tomorrow."

Zidane's reply suggests that Real Madrid are fully focused on Tuesday's Champions League tie.

Not being drawn into transfer gossip highlights that the Frenchman is not allowing his players to have their attention diverted onto distracting topics ahead of the most important game of the season.

Liverpool should take his response seriously and treat it as a warning shot ahead of a game that has major repercussions both financially and in terms of silverware.

The Reds would miss out on the lucrative bonuses that come with qualifying and progressing in the competition if they fail to miss out on top four so winning the Champions League is and should be a major target for them.

While Sergio Ramos will miss both legs of the tie and although Real Madrid are a shadow of the attacking monster they used to be, they're still a major threat and I'm certain Jurgen Klopp will make sure that his players aren't falling into the trap that is complacency.

I'm predicting a draw, with Madrid likely to take a cautious approach without their skipper and best centre half but they are at home in the first leg which could be advantageous.