Salah has been a tremendous contributor to the Reds since joining from AS Roma, though his journey hasn’t been without friction, especially with his coaches. ..Continue Reading
The Egyptian recently criticized current manager Arne Slot after being left out of the starting lineup for three consecutive matches. Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds on Saturday evening, Salah said: “I used to have a good relationship (with Slot).
“Now we don’t have any relationship and I don’t know why. (It) seems like someone does not want me in the club. I called my mum and dad and told them to come to the Brighton game.
“It doesn’t matter if I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it. I am just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
Although Salah’s rapport with Slot appears to have deteriorated, Klopp has remained an admirer of the forward. Speaking last year, the German hailed Salah’s character and claimed he was deserving of a new deal at Anfield.
“I hope he stays,” he said. “He’s the biggest striker Liverpool have had in modern times. Obviously there were other really good strikers.
“He’s a fantastic player, a fantastic human being, an outstanding athlete. The best ambassador your country could have. I hope he stays at Liverpool.”
That said, Klopp and Salah also experienced their share of tension during the German’s tenure. The two were involved in a heated exchange on the touchline during a draw with West Ham at the London Stadium in May 2024.
Following that incident, Salah hinted there would be “fire” if he spoke openly about what happened. Klopp, however, downplayed the situation and emphasized mutual respect.
“I think we have the right to deal with these things completely independent of any expectations from the outside,” Klopp said at the time.
“If we didn’t know each other for that long I am not sure how we would deal with it but we have known each other for that long and respect each other so much that it’s really no problem.
“The best situation would be everyone is in the best place, we win the games and score loads of goals then yes, the situation probably would not have been like that because Mo wouldn’t have been on the bench in the first place. It all depends on each other.”
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