Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was left smiling and laughing after being shown a heartwarming video message from his former manager Jurgen Klopp. During an interview with Steven Gerrard on TNT Sport, the 33-year-old watched a clip from his former boss ahead of his impending exit, and one particular remark had him in stitches.
Klopp's Message
Klopp said: "Two of my legends are sitting together, Stevie, you know how much I love you. But Mo, it was an absolute honour to work with you, it was a pleasure as well, not every minute but most of the time."
That line caused both Salah and Gerrard to laugh, referencing the occasional clashes between the Egyptian and the German boss during their tenure together. Despite this, the pair still share a close bond, as evidenced by the forward's reaction.
Klopp continued: "You remember when we came together, I said 'let's create a special story and let's make sure that when we see each other in 10 or 15 years and look back, we cannot avoid a smile', and I have that smile when I think of our time together. I'm just super happy and thankful that I was part of the whole journey for a while and all the best for what is coming up, there's still a great few years to come so have a great time together and enjoy, see you, bye."
Salah's Reaction
When the clip ended, Salah let out an audible chuckle before sharing his feelings about the German tactician. Asked how Klopp got the best out of players, Salah replied: "Managing the players is very hard. Through the years and with more experience, he realised that it doesn't get easier. He could manage a dressing room though with a team full of stars and he could keep everybody on their feet and working. He may have been lucky as well that we all wanted to work, he didn't have to force anyone to work because we really wanted to succeed and achieve big things."
While Klopp certainly got excellent performances from Salah, as two strong characters, the pair did clash, which is likely what the former Liverpool manager was alluding to in his message. A memorable exchange occurred away at West Ham when Salah was being introduced as a substitute before declining to shake Klopp's hand prior to entering the pitch.
Salah's Injury and Future
Salah is now poised to follow Klopp in departing Liverpool as a club icon, though his farewell campaign almost ended in catastrophe due to injury. Last weekend, the winger collapsed clutching the back of his leg, sparking fears he would not feature again. However, it has since been confirmed by the club and manager Arne Slot that he is expected to play again.
Slot said on Friday: "He is always working incredibly hard when he is injured to get back as soon as possible. Usually, he is back earlier than other players. He has a minor injury, and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday."
Salah also insisted, "I should be back a little before that" when Gerrard asked if he'd definitely play the final game of the season against Brentford. He also uploaded a picture to Instagram of himself in training. While a return before the season's end appears likely, missing the trip to Old Trafford for the showdown with Manchester United will undoubtedly sting for Salah, given his extraordinary scoring record at the home of Liverpool's fiercest rivals.
