Topic: Mohamed Salah - Best in the World *

[BCCC]

As the old saying goes, you're only as good as your last game so looking back Mo may reflect that his opta stats may look decent but his all round play in the last six has been poor.

[danm77]

I love Mo and I love Klopp. Far too much has been made of this, especially in the media. This is not unusual, we’ve seen it before between other players and their manager. Mo shouldn’t have made that comment in the mixed zone, but we all make mistakes.

All that matters now is that these two legends of Liverpool end their time here together praising each other and showing each other respect. No one wants a spat that drags on. I’m sure it won’t.

As for Mo’s future, now may be the time to cash in. He’s nearly 32. He is only going downhill from here. Earlier this season, pre injury, he was still contributing a lot. Our top scorer, lots of assists. However that impact may keep diminishing.

I’d say another year from him at the most, but we could also sell this summer, rather than let him go on a free.

[danm77]

Liverpool can help Arne Slot by selling petulant Mohamed Salah this summer

Ugly row with Jürgen Klopp on the London Stadium touchline shows the Egyptian’s focus has waned

Sun 28 Apr 2024 11.27 BST

When it comes to picking one image to symbolise the end of an era at Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp’s quarrel with Mohamed Salah on the London Stadium touchline will take some beating. This is what happens when power slips away. This, sadly, is the way that it ends.

We will have to speculate about the specific reason behind the row that grabbed the attention after Liverpool’s deflating 2-2 draw with West Ham on Saturday. West Ham’s equaliser had arrived before Klopp, who had been waiting to make a triple substitution, was able to introduce Salah, Darwin Núñez and Joe Gomez. The manager seemed miffed and appeared to admonish Salah, whose angry response made it very clear that he had zero interest in listening to any criticism.

It was quite the scene. Salah clearly did not regard Klopp as a figure of authority. Instead of holding back, the Egyptian had to be held back by two of his teammates. Later, as he made his way out of the stadium and walked past reporters, he declined interview requests and said there would be “fire” if he stopped to speak.


Say no more, Mo. We get it. Klopp had tried to play the incident down during his post-match press conference, but Salah lit the fuse. The Egyptian winger was hardly acting as the model of diplomacy, even if his remark was delivered in a jokey way. Far more preferable would have been Salah providing the same kind of spark on the pitch during a spell that has seen Liverpool’s season go up in smoke.

It was not supposed to go this way when Klopp announced that he was leaving. Liverpool won the League Cup final and targeted a quadruple. But something shifted when they went out of the FA Cup to Manchester United last month. The physical and mental challenge was too much. Defensive flaws were exposed during the Europa League quarter-final defeat to Atalanta, the attack malfunctioned in several winnable games and the title challenged faltered.

Salah, who has been short of sharpness since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, could not provide the inspiration. He has 24 goals in all competitions this season – hardly a poor return – but there is a sense of a player whose powers are waning. Salah is 32. His contract expires in a year and there are suggestions that he will move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Maybe Klopp’s impending departure allowed Salah to erupt. Or maybe Salah’s impending departure allowed Salah to erupt.

Either way it would be shame if the relationship between two of the greatest figures in Liverpool’s history is broken. Salah has been the standout player of Klopp’s reign, the genius in attack, the driving force behind so many famous wins. But the mind goes back to Mr. Ferguson announcing that the 2001-02 season would be his final year at United. Uncertainty set in, motivation dipped and United lost the title to Arsenal. Ferguson had given his players an excuse to let their standards dip.

Thankfully for United, the Scot ended up staying and oversaw a new era of domination. Klopp, though, is not going to change course. He looks emotionally drained. He sounds as if he cannot wait for the season to end. It has to have an impact on the team. The mentality monsters have disappeared.

There have, of course, been shows of petulance from Salah in the past. None, though, as big as the one on Saturday. None, surely, that would have occurred if Klopp was staying. Nobody who worries about a backlash from their boss behaves like that.

But this is an unfocused team, overseen by a weary, distracted, unhappy manager. If they were on their game, Liverpool would have smashed West Ham after going 2-1 up. Instead their title challenge fizzled out in a blaze of missed chances and shoddy defending.

Salah, of course, is part of the malaise. His goals will not be easy to replace but perhaps it would help Arne Slot, who will soon be confirmed as Klopp’s replacement, if he does not have to worry about managing a player whose ego appears to have spiralled out of control next season.

Not that the rebuild will be easy. Away from Salah, questions also hang over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. But there is another lesson that Liverpool can take from Ferguson, it is about how to deal with a disrespectful player. One or two individuals aside Ferguson always knew when someone’s race was run. He never let anyone become bigger than the club. Klopp, though, is not in a position to tame Salah.

The fear is gone. It evaporated during this most dispiriting of run-ins. Klopp does not have the stomach for it any more and his best player has smelt weakness. Looking to the future, Liverpool have to help Slot by reintroducing discipline. Klopp goes, but so does Salah.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/apr/28/liverpool-arne-slot-selling-petulant-mo-salah-this-summer?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

A typically hyped up, OTT media article. They can all fuck off.

Salah has been exemplary for 7 years, becoming one of our all time top goal scorers, an integral part of our title and champions league winning teams. He is a Liverpool legend, rightly so. Yes, he was stupid yesterday, but these things happen. It’s two Liverpool legends showing frustration, because they both care. That’s the end of it.

Everyone pipe down, move on and start celebrating both Klopp AND Salah for what they’ve done for us.

[mattD]

A typically hyped up, OTT media article. They can all fuck off.

Salah has been exemplary for 7 years, becoming one of our all time top goal scorers, an integral part of our title and champions league winning teams. He is a Liverpool legend, rightly so. Yes, he was stupid yesterday, but these things happen. It’s two Liverpool legends showing frustration, because they both care. That’s the end of it.

Everyone pipe down, move on and start celebrating both Klopp AND Salah for what they’ve done for us.

You know if he was English he’d be praised for how ‘pash-er-nate’ he is, and an exemplary to all other footballers. But he’s a dirty foreigner to these journalists so he’s ‘petulant’.

Dirty Manc Guardian as bad as the tabloids (p.s. don’t get me started on Barney Ronay’s sportswashing aka paid Abu Dhabi shill gig in the same paper).

[Black Bull Nova]

Could easily have been the frustration of a player knowing he might not win a major trophy again.

If he'd been in form the last few weeks we might have
Funny how players cover their mouths from lip readers but when we have footage of them not doing so no-one can read the lips

[Jimmy Raggatip]

I don't think it was out of character at all, he's always had this ego bubbling under, he's just never been dropped to have it surface

[Dim Glas]

I don't think it was out of character at all, he's always had this ego bubbling under, he's just never been dropped to have it surface

he’s a goal scorer, forwards often are more about themselves and have the ego to match, it’s sort of part of their deal 

But he for sure isn’t the sort of player you’d want having his career wind down here as you know he’d not take being down the squad list. Henderson was the same last year (and no not comparing talents), unwilling to be a squad player.

I still think he’ll be here the start of next season though.

[Historical Fool]

Could easily have been the frustration of a player knowing he might not win a major trophy again.

I’m sure he’ll back himself to win the CL and AFCON. He’s only 32 …

[4pool]

RAWK exclusive. Transcript of the conversation:

Jurgen: Come on Mo we need you to score.
Mo: I should have started.
Jurgen: You needed a rest.
Mo: Then why put me on now.
Jurgen: Just go get a goal.
Mo: I'd have a hat trick by now.
Darwin steps in..
Jurgen: Well go get one now then.
Mo: Not much time left for that. I should have started.
Jurgen walks away...

[GreatEx]

https://twitter.com/i/status/1784595383328682029

Looks like no huggy time, wars were started over less..

One of them will have to commit seppuku it's the only way.

Is that all it was? I've not been arsed to watch any replays beyond Taylor cheating Gakpo out of a goal.

If that's the whole "blazing row", then what a giant nothingburger. Media can fuck itself for pumping that one up and ignoring the refereeing corruption.

[RedKenWah]

He'll be gone in the summer. It's got nothing to do with yesterday, but it's inevitable after last summers Saudi bid. I said to my mates last year that it wouldn't surprise me if a deal wasn't already agreed.

He's got 14 months left on his contract and there's no talk whatsoever of him signing a new contract. His last deal 2 years ago dragged on for months and months and there was so much talk from his agent about being paid the right amount of money etc. The silence is damning.

Ultimately, he's 32 in June and whilst im sure he could do a job for us for another year or 2, I just cant see FSG sanctioning anther mega deal for a player whose trajectory isn't on the rise.

If you look back at my posts, you'll see I love Salah. I think he's an incredible footballer and what he's done for us in the years he's been here has been remarkable.

However, yesterday he showed himself to be petulant and a bit of a dick. But it's completely out of character. He's been an absolute model professional for 7 years and has never put a foot wrong. Yesterday we saw the frustration of a serial winner who was annoyed at being on the bench, who was annoyed that this season has ended the way it has & who was annoyed at his own lack of form. I'm sure he'll regret it today and after the next game he'll do an interview and brush everything under the carpet.

There's 3 games left boys and girls, in what feels like the end of an era. An era we've all been so lucky to witness and be a part of. Lets enjoy the last few games of the season and hopefully we can see the lads get back to winning ways.

Would wholeheartedly agree with this. I can only see him being sold come the summer which will be an end of an era but that seems to be the theme this club are going for, Jurgen going and all the coaching staff going so it makes sense to chuck in Salah into that as well.

It has to be said, Mo Salah has been brilliant for us since joining and not a lot can be taken away from that and I just hope that if he is set for pastures new then he can at least go out with pride and not be sent packing like a villain as that would be a real stain.

Thanks for the memories and for the goals!

[red_Mark1980]

If people think this is the biggest disagreement Salah and Klopp have had they need their heads examining.

Couldn't give a shit

[edeyj]

Storm in a rea cup.

Yesterday's headlines, today's chip paper.

[Qston]

Seems a bit like...

JK: "You ready to go on?"
MS:  "Sure whatevs. About fucking time"
JK:  "You don't sound ready..."
MS:  "Pfff what do you want me to say? Bit late innit" *waves arms like stroppy teen*
JK:  "You wanna go back on the bench?" *adopts Dad tone*
MS:  "Dude..." *jogs on pitch*

Sounds familiar

Dad "Can you just put your phone down for 1 minute while I talk to you"
Daughter "Just let me reply to this"
Dad "You have been replying for 10 minutes, just give me 2 minutes"
Daughter "God, you're so annoying"
Dad "It's rude you know, and I pay the bill"
Daughter (Huffs) "For god's sake, what do you want ?"

Cue it being blown out of all proportion when reported back to mother.

[Rush 82]

Liverpool can help Arne Slot by selling petulant Mohamed Salah this summer

Ugly row with Jürgen Klopp on the London Stadium touchline shows the Egyptian’s focus has waned

Sun 28 Apr 2024 11.27 BST

When it comes to picking one image to symbolise the end of an era at Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp’s quarrel with Mohamed Salah on the London Stadium touchline will take some beating. This is what happens when power slips away. This, sadly, is the way that it ends.

We will have to speculate about the specific reason behind the row that grabbed the attention after Liverpool’s deflating 2-2 draw with West Ham on Saturday. West Ham’s equaliser had arrived before Klopp, who had been waiting to make a triple substitution, was able to introduce Salah, Darwin Núñez and Joe Gomez. The manager seemed miffed and appeared to admonish Salah, whose angry response made it very clear that he had zero interest in listening to any criticism.

It was quite the scene. Salah clearly did not regard Klopp as a figure of authority. Instead of holding back, the Egyptian had to be held back by two of his teammates. Later, as he made his way out of the stadium and walked past reporters, he declined interview requests and said there would be “fire” if he stopped to speak.


Say no more, Mo. We get it. Klopp had tried to play the incident down during his post-match press conference, but Salah lit the fuse. The Egyptian winger was hardly acting as the model of diplomacy, even if his remark was delivered in a jokey way. Far more preferable would have been Salah providing the same kind of spark on the pitch during a spell that has seen Liverpool’s season go up in smoke.

It was not supposed to go this way when Klopp announced that he was leaving. Liverpool won the League Cup final and targeted a quadruple. But something shifted when they went out of the FA Cup to Manchester United last month. The physical and mental challenge was too much. Defensive flaws were exposed during the Europa League quarter-final defeat to Atalanta, the attack malfunctioned in several winnable games and the title challenged faltered.

Salah, who has been short of sharpness since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, could not provide the inspiration. He has 24 goals in all competitions this season – hardly a poor return – but there is a sense of a player whose powers are waning. Salah is 32. His contract expires in a year and there are suggestions that he will move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Maybe Klopp’s impending departure allowed Salah to erupt. Or maybe Salah’s impending departure allowed Salah to erupt.

Either way it would be shame if the relationship between two of the greatest figures in Liverpool’s history is broken. Salah has been the standout player of Klopp’s reign, the genius in attack, the driving force behind so many famous wins. But the mind goes back to Mr. Ferguson announcing that the 2001-02 season would be his final year at United. Uncertainty set in, motivation dipped and United lost the title to Arsenal. Ferguson had given his players an excuse to let their standards dip.

Thankfully for United, the Scot ended up staying and oversaw a new era of domination. Klopp, though, is not going to change course. He looks emotionally drained. He sounds as if he cannot wait for the season to end. It has to have an impact on the team. The mentality monsters have disappeared.

There have, of course, been shows of petulance from Salah in the past. None, though, as big as the one on Saturday. None, surely, that would have occurred if Klopp was staying. Nobody who worries about a backlash from their boss behaves like that.

But this is an unfocused team, overseen by a weary, distracted, unhappy manager. If they were on their game, Liverpool would have smashed West Ham after going 2-1 up. Instead their title challenge fizzled out in a blaze of missed chances and shoddy defending.

Salah, of course, is part of the malaise. His goals will not be easy to replace but perhaps it would help Arne Slot, who will soon be confirmed as Klopp’s replacement, if he does not have to worry about managing a player whose ego appears to have spiralled out of control next season.

Not that the rebuild will be easy. Away from Salah, questions also hang over the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. But there is another lesson that Liverpool can take from Ferguson, it is about how to deal with a disrespectful player. One or two individuals aside Ferguson always knew when someone’s race was run. He never let anyone become bigger than the club. Klopp, though, is not in a position to tame Salah.

The fear is gone. It evaporated during this most dispiriting of run-ins. Klopp does not have the stomach for it any more and his best player has smelt weakness. Looking to the future, Liverpool have to help Slot by reintroducing discipline. Klopp goes, but so does Salah.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/apr/28/liverpool-arne-slot-selling-petulant-mo-salah-this-summer?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

saddens me that a moment of weakness from Salah has allowed the media to besmirch him like this - they've been sniping at him ever since he got here and has been labeled a 'diver', 'weak', ignored by officials when fouled, and many other things - to think that right at the end they've been given a final opportunity to the boot in.

[decosabute]

Is that all it was? I've not been arsed to watch any replays beyond Taylor cheating Gakpo out of a goal.

If that's the whole "blazing row", then what a giant nothingburger. Media can fuck itself for pumping that one up and ignoring the refereeing corruption.

Well that was only the first part, that started it. The worse bit was afterwards, where Klopp walked away, then seemed to come back to Salah and say something, then Salah kicked off big time waving his arms and pointing at Klopp, clearly very angry. Darwin had to step in and sort of move Salah and try and get him to calm down. That's the part they'd shown during the live broadcast.

For those saying it's a storm in a teacup, I'd sort of agree that it doesn't matter for the rest of our season and it's probably resolved by now. But I still don't like what I saw from Salah there. I still think he was way out of order, both in the moment and after the game.

[paulrazor]

He'll be gone in the summer. It's got nothing to do with yesterday, but it's inevitable after last summers Saudi bid. I said to my mates last year that it wouldn't surprise me if a deal wasn't already agreed.

He's got 14 months left on his contract and there's no talk whatsoever of him signing a new contract. His last deal 2 years ago dragged on for months and months and there was so much talk from his agent about being paid the right amount of money etc. The silence is damning.

Ultimately, he's 32 in June and whilst im sure he could do a job for us for another year or 2, I just cant see FSG sanctioning anther mega deal for a player whose trajectory isn't on the rise.

If you look back at my posts, you'll see I love Salah. I think he's an incredible footballer and what he's done for us in the years he's been here has been remarkable.

However, yesterday he showed himself to be petulant and a bit of a dick. But it's completely out of character. He's been an absolute model professional for 7 years and has never put a foot wrong. Yesterday we saw the frustration of a serial winner who was annoyed at being on the bench, who was annoyed that this season has ended the way it has & who was annoyed at his own lack of form. I'm sure he'll regret it today and after the next game he'll do an interview and brush everything under the carpet.

There's 3 games left boys and girls, in what feels like the end of an era. An era we've all been so lucky to witness and be a part of. Lets enjoy the last few games of the season and hopefully we can see the lads get back to winning ways. 

I would go along with all this

For me, he is the greatest player I have ever seen in a red shirt (Following since 1990)

We cant afford to lose him for free, as you say I dont think he will sign a new deal, I think he can still score 20+ a season until his mid 30s but I think its time to cash in.

[Draex]

saddens me that a moment of weakness from Salah has allowed the media to besmirch him like this - they've been sniping at him ever since he got here and has been labeled a 'diver', 'weak', ignored by officials when fouled, and many other things - to think that right at the end they've been given a final opportunity to the boot in.

Yep knives were out pre sharpened.

[fiveways]

We cant afford to lose him for free, as you say I dont think he will sign a new deal, I think he can still score 20+ a season until his mid 30s but I think its time to cash in.

Sadly yes - head over heart

[Red-Soldier]

Hes not irreplaceable anymore, hes become predictable, his final ball which was never that good, shooting has gone. Its one of those where it suits all parties to go their own way.
Hopefully we get a decent fee and some new blood and thanks for the memories.

Have you ever seen him play?

[Jon2lfc]

Sounds familiar

Dad "Can you just put your phone down for 1 minute while I talk to you"
Daughter "Just let me reply to this"
Dad "You have been replying for 10 minutes, just give me 2 minutes"
Daughter "God, you're so annoying"
Dad "It's rude you know, and I pay the bill"
Daughter (Huffs) "For god's sake, what do you want ?"

Cue it being blown out of all proportion when reported back to mother.

Hahahahahaha this is spot on!
But maybe belongs in another thread- haha

Has anyone got a teenage daughter who doesn't behave like this?

[PhilV]

My take is simple, I love Mo, I respect what he has done for this club and he is a legend.

Legends are still held to a standard of behaviour, that goes for him, Klopp and anyone associated with the club. That open disrespectful behaviour was not ok, after Klopp cooled it with the post match interview, he again was still kicking off when he walked past... he is being petulant, this is not ok.

The manager is the boss of the team, he has tough calls to make but I always say the best way to answer the manager if he drops you, or tells you to go prove yourself no matter how many goals you've scored, you go out there and put in a performance to make him regret dropping you, or whatever.

This is very poor from Mo and he deserves to be disciplined for it. Really disappointing. Don't like players thinking they are bigger than the manager or too big/legend status to get away with this behaviour.

[Santiago]

Yep knives were out pre sharpened.

On here too!!

[alonsoisared]

RAWK exclusive. Transcript of the conversation:

Jurgen: Come on Mo we need you to score.
Mo: I should have started.
Jurgen: You needed a rest.
Mo: Then why put me on now.
Jurgen: Just go get a goal.
Mo: I'd have a hat trick by now.
Darwin steps in..
Jurgen: Well go get one now then.
Mo: Not much time left for that. I should have started.
Jurgen walks away...

And then out popped a smiling Glen Johnson?

[paulrazor]

And then out popped a smiling Glen Johnson?

With a shirt

Our salah is a friend to all managers

[robertobaggio37]

Ornstein: EXCL: Liverpool expect Mo Salah to stay & are planning with him for at least another campaign. 31yo has given no indication of wanting out + contract to be addressed in due course. Saudi view is Salah intends to remain at #LFC next season

[paulrazor]

So I see

"planning with him for at least another campaign, 31 YO has given no indication of wanting out, and contract to be addressed in due course, Saudi view is Salah intends to remain at LFC next season"


Typed out the Orny tweet as X is blocked on my laptop etc

[Ste08]

It was pretty obvious he wasn't leaving. Players who score 20 goals every season don't grow on trees and from his perspective why would he want to move to Saudi Arabia when he's still one of the best players in football.

[Bennett]

Despite what Ornstein is coming out with, I would be surprised if he is still here next season. It's possible of course that the club have weighed up what we would get in a transfer fee against what he is worth for another 12 months. But the prospect of getting £70m+ (and freeing up hundreds of thousands a week in wages) at a time when the attack looks in need of being reinvented is surely too tempting. I think it's as much of a risk to keep him as it is to let him go at this point. This summer has a very different feel to last when selling him would have been nothing short of a disaster.

[Dave D]

Unless he wants to leave and forces and exit, he won't be sold. Every leak to the media confirms this.

[paulrazor]

He isnt going this summer unless we get mega money

[redgriffin73]

And then out popped a smiling Glen Johnson?

[jepovic]

Unless he wants to leave and forces and exit, he won't be sold. Every leak to the media confirms this.

Because of course LFC would announce broadly that they want to get rid of him 

[DonkeyWan]

I mean, plans are meaningless until Slot comes in, right?

[robertobaggio37]

Despite what Ornstein is coming out with, I would be surprised if he is still here next season. It's possible of course that the club have weighed up what we would get in a transfer fee against what he is worth for another 12 months. But the prospect of getting £70m+ (and freeing up hundreds of thousands a week in wages) at a time when the attack looks in need of being reinvented is surely too tempting. I think it's as much of a risk to keep him as it is to let him go at this point. This summer has a very different feel to last when selling him would have been nothing short of a disaster.

Agree with this.

[Clint Eastwood]

I still think he will go, but if he does stay then he has to be a striker for us. He’s become too predictable on the wing and we lack threat down that side. He can still score goals though, if he’s closer to goal.

[JackWard33]

So weird we’re not forcing him out the club for losing his rag once

[Jon2lfc]

RAWK exclusive. Transcript of the conversation:

Jurgen: Come on Mo we need you to score.
Mo: I should have started.
Jurgen: You needed a rest.
Mo: Then why put me on now.
Jurgen: Just go get a goal.
Mo: I'd have a hat trick by now.
Darwin steps in..
Jurgen: Well go get one now then.
Mo: Not much time left for that. I should have started.
Jurgen walks away...

Clearly false.

As Mo would be speaking in Arabic, and Jurgen in German.
With Darwin translating and adding in a few Spanish expletives for good measure.

[Adam_LFC]

It's a bad negotiating standpoint for us if it's let out that we are looking rid of Salah - just saying. So I don't think anything in the press at the minute is going to confirm either way. I think it feels like the end to a of people now though. It does make sense with our business model too, sell while there is still some value and the player is past their peak.

I would be really surprised at Edwards offering him a new contract.

As a player he is probably in the top 5 we have ever had, but we need to put aside sentimentality if we want to get back to where we want to be for the next era.

[Jookie]

I mean, plans are meaningless until Slot comes in, right?

Maybe but I’d be amazed if discussions about Salah, Trent and VvD weren’t part of the interview process with Slot or any other prospective manager.

We’lll know what Salah is thinking. We’ll know what Hughes and Edward’s think. I’d guess we’d have an idea what Slot thinks.

Briefing the media that he’s likely to stay is probably because he’s likely to stay plus it potentially dampens any of him leaving chat as a fallout from the weekend. Alternative hypothesis is that we are protecting his value by looking like reluctant sellers.

Personally I don’t think you give up someone who scores 20+ goals a season. Even less so with a potentially tricky manager transition and Q marks about all the other attacking options.