- Pep Guardiola hails Mohamed Salah ahead of FA Cup clash
- Set to be the final domestic meeting between Salah and Manchester City
- Never scored in FA Cup clash vs City
Pep Guardiola has hailed Mohamed Salah as an ‘absolute legend’ in a heartfelt tribute to the Liverpool star.
As the Reds prepare for a season-defining trip to the Etihad for their Emirates FA Cup quarter final, the Man City boss’s ‘special’ claim has placed the Egyptian’s Premier League legacy front and centre.
The Spaniard has called the Egyptian an incredible human and a legend of the game.
Speaking to the media on Friday, April 3, the former Barcelona manager said the 33-year-old deserves recognition for his contributions to football in the English top flight. He labeled the winger as one of the greatest players for his goal contributions, adding that he leaves as a Premier League legend.
He said:
“One of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency – what a player! What an incredible human being. Goals and assists – an absolute legend for Liverpool football club and for the Premier League for all he has done. I think it’s a good moment to say goodbye to him in this country tomorrow. So he deserve an incredible incredible recognition for what he has given to the world football, especially in this country.”
Mohamed Salah vs Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City
Salah has faced Manchester City 25 times in his career, all with Liverpool. He was in the squad just once while at Chelsea, but did not come off the bench in the game back in the 2013/14 season.
In his appearances for the Reds against the Cityzens, the winger has scored 13 times and assisted eight. He has five goals in his 18 matches in the Premier League, while adding two goals in as many matches in the UEFA Champions League.
The 33-year-old has not scored in the two FA Cup matches against Manchester City. He will have the chance to get on the scoresheet on Saturday, April 4, at the Etihad Stadium, should Arne Slot opt to use him in the game.
Mohamed Salah recovers in time for Liverpool farewell tour
Arne Slot spoke about Salah ahead of the FA Cup clash, confirming that winger was fit and ready to play against Manchester City. He said that the former Chelsea man was in training and hopes to help him end his Anfield career with two more trophies.
“Yes, he is [fit]. He trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for the game tomorrow. I think what has happened after he announced it is what he completely deserves. His teammates, anyone everywhere around the world that was asked about his legacy said the words that needed to be said.
“It’s been unbelievable what he did for this club for so many years every three days, scoring the goals he did, having the assists, having the impact he had on this club, winning the trophies. I saw a beautiful photo of him in front of all of the trophies he’s won individually and as a team, and I can only hope that he can add two extra trophies to it towards the end of the season.”
The FA Cup match will be the first time Salah plays for Liverpool after announcing his exit at the end of the season.
