Liverpool football folklore is full of players who owe their rise to the careful guidance of their managers. Yet Mohamed Salah’s story at Anfield stands out: a story of autonomy, professional distance and an unwavering quest for excellence that thrived outside the realm of Jurgen Klopp’s motivational influence.

Klopp and Salah: a relationship based on professionalism

From the start, it was clear that Salah never bought into the cult of personality that surrounded Klopp. While many Liverpool players revered their manager, often describing him as a father figure, Salah’s relationship was markedly different. He didn’t need an arm around his shoulder or words of comfort. Salah’s approach was distinctly pragmatic, rooted in professional respect for Klopp but devoid of dependence.

Simon Hughes, writing for the Daily Mailhighlights this unique dynamic: “Some Liverpool players spoke positively about the manager in public, even if they spoke differently in private. Klopp was yelling at some of them and in the same week they were generously describing him as a father figure in interviews. Salah did not conform to this approach. Although cordial, his interactions with Klopp were strategic and focused solely on his role within the team.

Klopp’s early praise of Salah’s potential was unequivocal. “He is willing and eager to be even better. His pace is incredible, he gives us more attacking threat,” Klopp said when Salah joined Liverpool. Yet Salah’s success has never depended on Klopp’s personal support. Crucial decisions in his career, such as contract negotiations, were handled with the advice of his lawyer, Ramy Abbas.

The Salah-Mane dynamic: beneath the surface

The simmering rivalry between Salah and Sadio Mané was another layer of the Egyptian’s complex journey. While Mané’s popularity with Liverpool fans was undeniable, Salah’s incredible debut season elevated him to a status that Mané could not match.

Hughes notes: “Mané believed Salah had benefited from his selflessness and asked club staff to establish precisely how many of Salah’s goals in the first season involved him. The figure was north of 30 percent. Frustration came to a head during the infamous match against Burnley in 2019, when Mane’s visible displeasure following a substitution highlighted the burgeoning tension.

Despite Klopp’s efforts to manage these internal rivalries, Salah’s reputation for being resolute has endured. His confidence in his ability and his place at Liverpool meant he didn’t need the affirmations others might demand from a manager. This singular orientation often led to misunderstandings, with some teammates considering him too independent.

A self-taught footballer

Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Dave Fallows, played a crucial role in bringing Salah to Anfield. With Klopp leaning towards Julian Brandt, Fallows’ belief in Salah’s potential ultimately took over. The move proved transformative, as Salah became not only a central figure in Liverpool’s frontline, but also the embodiment of relentless ambition.

Reflecting on his time under Luciano Spalletti at Rome, Salah once remarked to friends that Spalletti was “the best coach he had worked for” because of his defensive teachings. This statement underlines Salah’s belief that personal development can often occur outside the shadow of the manager. At Liverpool, this state of mind persisted. Salah’s ability to incorporate Spalletti’s lessons while retaining his goal-scoring prowess has cemented his reputation as a player driven by personal development.

When discussing his remarkable performances, Salah rarely attributes the success to Klopp’s influence. Instead, he celebrated the contributions of his teammates and his own dedication. “If anyone else deserved recognition for his performances at Liverpool, it was his teammates, rather than a manager he respected but felt he didn’t owe to the world.” , writes Hughes.

Diminishing confidence in Klopp’s system

Salah’s apparent detachment from Klopp’s methods was accentuated during difficult times. The defeat in the Champions League final in 2022 was a turning point. His dissatisfaction with Paris’ tactical errors led to a notable change. Salah has told close friends that he has never felt so deflated, questioning not only the tactical shortcomings but also the general management under Klopp.

Fast forward to April 2024, a disheartening defeat in the Merseyside derby shattered Liverpool’s title hopes. This time, Salah’s frustrations no longer remained silent. Reports of a heated exchange between Salah and Klopp have surfaced after another setback against West Ham. Although accounts vary, Hughes notes that Salah’s disillusionment with Klopp’s leadership became evident.

Salah’s production, however, has not faltered. In fact, his creativity has reached new heights in the 2023-24 season, where he has led the Premier League in creating clear-cut chances. As Liverpool began their pre-season tour of the United States, Salah was often caught meticulously reviewing his match performances, a testament to his unwavering quest for perfection. This dedication revealed that even as Klopp’s influence waned, Salah’s commitment to self-directed excellence never diminished.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a future Liverpool fan, this story may evoke mixed feelings. On the one hand, Salah’s journey reinforces his legendary status: a relentless figure who charted his path to success, championing individual brilliance over dependence. Yet it also highlights potential cracks in Liverpool’s internal dynamics. If a player of Salah’s stature could feel alienated from Klopp’s advice, what implications would that have for future star signings?

Arne Slot, now at the helm of the game, must manage this legacy carefully, ensuring that new players feel valued without curbing their independent spirit. Salah’s time at Liverpool is a reminder that while camaraderie and training play a vital role, the intrinsic motivation of players like Salah is often what turns promising teams into champions.