'He Never Stops' - Jurgen Klopp Says as He Unveils the True Character of Mohamed Salah
For eight and a half years, Mohamed Salah has been revered by Liverpool supporters, who consider the ‘Egyptian King’ one of the club's all-time greats.
However, his recent, unexpected claim that he feels scapegoated for the team's poor form has put his character under scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, especially after being benched for three consecutive matches by manager Arne Slot.
So, who is the real Mohamed Salah, away from the recent controversy? BBC Sport spoke with Jurgen Klopp to understand the personality and resilience of the man behind the goals, the glory, and the gossip.
'You Only Have Problems with Mo if He is Not Playing'
Mohamed Salah's relentless drive and refusal to accept anything less than the highest standards have been central to Liverpool's success.
This same intensity may explain Mohamed Salah’s difficulty in handling a diminished role and the accompanying criticism.
"We are all massively influenced by our past, how we were raised, where we grew up," says Jurgen Klopp, who managed Mohamed Salah at Anfield, winning every major trophy. "Mo knew early on [in his life] that he had to do more than others."
"He always developed. He never stops. That is his mindset," Jurgen Klopp continues. "After each summer break, he came back and had a new skill. It was like he had spent the whole time just practising one particular type of pass."
The former Liverpool manager also reflected on their shared journey: "We pushed each other, just to make sure that we would never stop. And we never did stop.
“That moment lifting the Premier League bonded us for life. He will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time."
Jurgen Klopp added a telling insight into managing the star forward: "I wouldn't say he is easy to manage, but he is also not difficult to manage. You only have problems with Mo Salah if he is not playing or you take him off."
While some have criticised Mohamed Salah for a perceived lack of leadership, citing infrequent media interviews after poor results, he has often used social media to rally fans during tough times. Those who played alongside him describe a man who refuses to quit and inspires others.
Ultimately, Jurgen Klopp’s reflections paint Mohamed Salah as a driven, ever-evolving competitor whose intensity and resilience define him both on and off the pitch, revealing a player whose greatness extends far beyond recent controversies.