Jurgen Klopp predicted that Mohamed Salah would be difficult to manage when not given a starting berth at Liverpool, and those comments have come to fruition under new manager Arne Slot. The Egyptian star has been vocal about his displeasure with the Reds' poor defence of the Premier League title, prompting Slot to shut down claims that the club's standards have diminished.
Klopp's Insight on Salah
Klopp spent seven seasons working with Salah at Anfield, winning the Premier League and Champions League together. The former manager admitted in a documentary that coaching the winger is not as easy as it appears. Speaking in 'Mo Salah - Never Give Up', Klopp said: "We are all massively influenced by our past. Mo knew early on that he had to do more than others. He never stops. That is his mindset."
He added: "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."
Slot Responds to Salah's Claims
Salah lost his starting spot this season after claiming he was "thrown under the bus" by the club for their poor form. He made subtle digs after Liverpool's 3-2 loss to Manchester United, saying "there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes." Slot responded: "Does Virgil mean the same as what Mo is saying? I cannot agree more with him! I did not hear him say that the standards are not okay now."
Slot insisted standards remain high: "I am not worried that the standards will be lower next season than they were this season, or the season before. No. I am not worried about it. At all."
Looking Ahead
Slot emphasised that younger players learn from experienced stars like Salah: "They usually get the example of players like Mo to understand what it takes to play at this level. I am completely convinced that we have enough players next season to put the standards exactly where they are needed."
