Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has opened up about Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian announced his decision to leave Anfield this summer.
Jürgen Klopp has insisted he played no part in Mohamed Salah’s bombshell decision to leave Anfield this summer, though the former Liverpool boss admitted the pair have remained in contact as the Egyptian prepares for his swan song.
The Reds’ legendary forward sent shockwaves through the fan base earlier this week by confirming his storied Merseyside career is reaching its final chapter.
For Klopp the man who oversaw Salah’s transformation from a Chelsea cast-off into a world-class icon the news was met with the same level-headedness that defined his nine-year tenure.
Speaking on the latest developments, Klopp confirmed he had reached out to his former talisman via text, but was quick to distance himself from any suggestion that he influenced the move.
Klopp, who signed Salah from Roma in 2017 for £34m, managed the winger for his first seven seasons at the club.
While the German’s departure in 2024 was the first domino to fall in a new era at L4, Salah’s impending exit represents the final crumbling of the “Front Three” foundation that conquered Europe and ended the thirty-year Premier League title wait.
Klopp is back on Merseyside this weekend to lead out a side for Saturday’s charity fundraiser between Liverpool and Dortmund legends. But while the focus should be on the Anfield turf, a sit-down with The Anfield Wrap ahead of the game inevitably turned to the future of Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to The Anfield Wrap, Klopp was asked about his experience of working with Salah, and the German could not stop praising the winger. He said that a lot of hard work from all went into making the 33-year-old the player he is today, and he is delighted to see the outcome.
“It was a joy. It was a challenge. It was hard work from both sides. It was [an] incredible outcome. It was pretty much everything.”
Klopp admitted that he could never have imagined the winger scoring over 250 goals for the club, but is sure that the Egyptian had it in the back of his mind. The former manager recalled how Salah used to return to pre-season training with a new skill and said:
“The goals he scored. The consistency he showed. The desire grew and grew. Every year, he came back after summer break with a new skill, somehow. With a new idea, it worked out. Outside of the boot. All of a sudden, he only crossed the ball with that, and it was like ‘OMG! When did that happen?’.”
Did Jürgen Klopp want Julian Brandt over Mohamed Salah?
Klopp admitted he spoke with Julian Brandt, but clarified it was not a case of wanting the German more than Salah. He said they had been talking to several players before they were convinced to sign the former Chelsea winger.
The former coach added that they were more sure about signing him than the winger was about making the switch to Anfield. The 58-year-old is glad to have got the Egyptian to form the trio with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, and said:
“He was part of the best front 3 in world football for a long time and was the one with the most numbers. That says something. Mo was the one for the last situation, and he wanted it more than anybody. He always had the goal in his mind.”
Klopp went on to hail Mane as a player who wanted to score goals, but could have midfield as he wanted to create chances too, while Firmino was the genius in the trio, as he did not care about anything and just wanted to help.
He sent a clear message to the Liverpool fans and said:
“I really hope on the last matchday you all [fans] will have a smile on your face and just be happy that you were part of one of the most incredible careers we will ever be part of.”
Jürgen Klopp back in Liverpool this week
Klopp has taken to Instagram to confirm he will be in Liverpool. The former Borussia Dortmund coach will be at Anfield on Saturday, March 28, as Liverpool legends take on Borussia Dortmund legends. He said:
“Hi guys, we are back. From Manchester to Liverpool, my favourite direction actually. Looking forward to the next three days with the highlight, the Legends game between Liverpool and Dortmund – my two former clubs. Can’t wait to see a lot of friends. Can’t wait to meet you all, to be honest.”
“It feels like ages ago, but it’s not even a year ago that I was here. I’m so surprised the weather is okay. And, yeah, a lot of fun things, wonderful things are coming up. Foundation and football and training, seeing the AXA, seeing Anfield. So, yeah, can’t wait. Hope you’re good. See you soon. Really soon. Really, really soon. Bye!”
This will not be Klopp’s first visit to Anfield since leaving the club as he was present during the Premier League celebration last season.
