Former Jürgen Klopp has paid glowing tribute to Mohamed Salah, describing the Liverpool forward as an extraordinary goal-scorer while hinting at curiosity over how much more the Egyptian star believes he can achieve.
Salah, who is believed to be approaching the final phase of his time at Liverpool FC, has enjoyed a prolific spell since joining the club in 2017 from AS Roma in a deal worth €41 million. Under Klopp’s leadership, the forward developed into one of the most influential players in Liverpool’s history, breaking multiple records in the Premier League.
Reflecting on Salah’s achievements, Klopp expressed both admiration and curiosity about the player’s ambitions. He said:
“Perhaps one day we will ask him if he has a specific number of goals he would like to score. If that number is close to the number he has already achieved, I will be very surprised. How is that possible? Impossible.”
A Transformational Figure at Anfield
Klopp played a central role in bringing Salah to Anfield, a move that would prove transformative for both player and club. Since then, the Egyptian international has consistently delivered goals at a remarkable rate, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success during Klopp’s tenure.
The German manager’s comments underline the scale of Salah’s impact, not only in terms of statistics but also his influence on the team’s attacking identity. His ability to maintain elite performance levels over several seasons has set him apart among Premier League forwards.
Praise for Former Liverpool Stars
Klopp also took the opportunity to reflect on other key figures from his time at Liverpool, including Sadio Mané, now playing for Al Nassr FC. He highlighted Mané’s versatility and adaptability, particularly during the latter stages of his Liverpool career.
“Sadio surprised me every day. Sadio was a complete player. In his last months here, he played in the false nine position. He wasn’t in his best physical condition, so he played in that position. How did he handle that role? He was fantastic.”
On Roberto Firmino, Klopp offered a succinct but telling assessment, saying:
“Bobby, he’s very smart.”
Managing Squad Dynamics
Beyond individual players, Klopp spoke candidly about his approach to managing squad morale, particularly among those who are not regular starters. He emphasised the importance of maintaining engagement and positivity within the group.
“I deal with them completely normally. Don’t forget them. There is a week in which you play three matches and it passes quickly. You wake up on Monday, and suddenly you find yourself on Friday, and you played a match on Wednesday, and you don’t remember anything. In this week, you have to allocate enough time to give them all the attention.”
He added:
“You know the players who didn’t start the match the day before, and then you have this training session with them the next day. What is the mood like there, and who is responsible for it? I can’t stand on the sidelines and look at them when they are not at their best. Maybe they are angry because of what happened yesterday, or maybe I have to give them reasons to put them in a good mood. It is my duty to help them find a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, and to assure them that this situation is not permanent.”
No Immediate Return to Coaching
Klopp also addressed speculation about a potential return to management, making clear that he is not considering a comeback at present.
“No, I always say not now, because I have plenty of time. I don’t know, at the moment no, I’m focused on my job, I love what I do and that’s good.”
Unity as Liverpool’s Greatest Strength
Looking back on his time at Liverpool, Klopp identified unity as the defining factor behind the club’s achievements during his tenure.
“I don’t think something like this is possible in every city. There are other cities where it is possible because the strength we generate from this is unity. That’s how it is. The great strength of Liverpool Football Club is unity. In a way, we were very united, very strong, and we were able to achieve the impossible.”
Legacy Built on Excellence and Togetherness
Klopp’s reflections offer a glimpse into a period that reshaped Liverpool’s modern history. With Mohamed Salah continuing to deliver at the highest level, the German manager’s admiration underscores the enduring legacy of a partnership defined by goals, unity, and sustained success.
