‘He Wasn’t Waiting for Klopp’s Approval’ – Simon Hughes on Salah | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Journey: Independent, Determined, and Unyielding

Liverpool fans have long been captivated by the sheer brilliance of Mohamed Salah, whose journey at the club has been a testament to individual talent, resilience, and an undying commitment to excellence. Yet beneath the surface, Salah’s time at Liverpool reveals a story of autonomy, strategic decisions, and a professional yet complex relationship with former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

Salah’s Independent Streak

Salah’s reputation as an independent thinker who did not seek the traditional “father figure” role from Klopp sets him apart from many of his teammates. While Klopp was revered for his ability to connect with players who needed nurturing—such as Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk—Salah approached his role at Liverpool differently. He never worshipped at the altar of Klopp, as Simon Hughes’s insightful piece in the Daily Mail makes clear.

“Though Salah quietly enjoyed having a sense of place, he did not need a coach holding his hand,” Hughes writes. His guiding force? Ramy Abbas, his long-time lawyer and adviser, with whom he made critical life and career decisions. This professional distance from Klopp didn’t erode their working relationship, which remained respectful, if somewhat detached.

Photo: IMAGO

Professionalism Without Dependence

Salah’s move to Liverpool in 2017 marked a significant chapter not just for the club but for the player himself. It was a recruitment decision championed more by the club’s head of recruitment, Dave Fallows, than by Klopp. The German manager initially had his sights set on Julian Brandt, but Fallows’ insistence and years of scouting turned the tide.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s debut season showcased why this decision was pivotal. Scoring in his debut and maintaining an incredible form thereafter proved he was more than just a signing—he was a catalyst for Liverpool’s resurgence. As Hughes details, “It was not as if Klopp had been patient with him, waiting for him to deliver. Until his arrival, Liverpool were a promising team but Salah’s goals made it seem as though they could beat anyone and achieve anything.”

Despite the dazzling partnership between Klopp and Salah on the pitch, there was an underlying recognition that their relationship was bound by mutual respect, not dependence. Salah credited Luciano Spalletti, his former manager at Roma, for having taught him more about the defensive side of the game than anyone else. Spalletti, in Salah’s eyes, was “the best coach he’d worked for,” highlighting the Egyptian’s appreciation for strategic growth over emotional bonds.

Mane and Salah: A Tense Rivalry

One of the most intriguing dynamics at Liverpool during Salah’s tenure was his rivalry with Sadio Mane. Initially, they shared light-hearted conversations in the treatment rooms, but as Salah’s star rose, friction began to show. Mane, revered for his selflessness, couldn’t ignore Salah’s rapid ascent and the statistics that put the Egyptian ahead.

Photo: IMAGO

This rivalry came to a head in 2019 when Mane’s frustrations boiled over during a match against Burnley, where he reacted angrily to Salah’s decision-making. Klopp, noted for allowing players to work through their own conflicts, addressed the issue only in broad terms. “Whenever a team-mate was in a better position, the ball had to be passed,” he insisted to the squad.

However, this competition was not limited to Mane. Roberto Firmino, another linchpin of Liverpool’s famed front trio, also recognised Salah’s goalscoring prowess but managed his frustrations quietly. Salah’s relentless pursuit of goals, while sometimes seen as single-minded, was also what elevated Liverpool to new heights.

Salah’s Contract and Klopp’s Authority

In 2022, Salah’s contract renewal negotiations brought further complexity to his relationship with Klopp. A notable moment came when a reporter suggested Klopp had helped resolve Salah’s contract issues, only for Abbas to firmly rebut the claim. Hughes captures the scene: “When one notable reporter implied Klopp had helped resolve Salah’s contract issues in 2022, he was promptly informed by Abbas that this was not the case.” This was a reminder that Salah’s career was guided by his own terms.

Liverpool’s upper management felt confident during negotiations, sensing Salah had limited alternatives despite interest from PSG and other major European clubs. Yet it was Abbas’s shrewd negotiation—offering image rights to Liverpool—that helped seal the deal. Klopp’s relief was evident, “I’ve no doubt Mo’s best years are still to come,” he said after the contract was finalised.

Legacy and Closing Chapters

Despite occasional frictions, Salah’s influence on Liverpool’s success cannot be overstated. From breaking goal-scoring records to his meticulous game analysis, evidenced by rewatching his own performances, Salah’s professionalism never waned.

Yet, as 2024 rolled in and tensions mounted after a disheartening Merseyside derby defeat, Salah and Klopp’s dynamic reached its tipping point. Hughes’s account of the incident at West Ham—where Klopp berated Salah for taking too long to get ready—illuminated how far their professional relationship had frayed. Salah’s reply, “I cannot be responsible for West Ham’s goal because I was not on the pitch,” signified a breaking point that was years in the making.

Liverpool fans may argue endlessly over Salah’s legacy. Some may see a supremely talented player who gave his best years to the club, while others may dwell on his independent streak that, at times, clashed with the collective ethos Klopp cultivated. What remains undeniable is Salah’s unparalleled contribution—a testament to a career built not just on talent but on fierce self-belief.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Sceptical Liverpool fans will read Simon Hughes’s report and find themselves reflecting on Salah’s fiercely independent nature. While his decision to keep an emotional distance from Klopp may be perceived as self-serving, others will view it as evidence of a driven, strategic professional who always knew his worth.

Arne Slot’s current tenure adds a new layer of introspection. Slot, known for fostering collaborative team dynamics, might have found Salah’s approach challenging yet refreshing. As Liverpool navigates this new chapter, the echoes of Salah’s past, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his calculated methods will shape how fans appreciate or critique future stars who walk the path he helped pave.