Jurgen Klopp revealed his minor concern for Mohamed Salah after Dejan Lovren left Liverpool in 2020. Lovren made 185 appearances for the Reds across a six-season spell.
He also bagged 78 caps for Croatia, who play England in the Nations League on Saturday evening. The polarising centre-back joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2014 for £20million, and he later struck up a lifelong friendship with Salah, who signed for the Reds in 2017 from Roma.
Lovren's Departure and Salah's Reaction
Yet in the summer of 2020, after picking up a Premier League title and the Champions League at Anfield, Lovren joined Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg for £11m. Salah, who himself left Liverpool this summer for Turkish side Trabzonspor, was devastated at his best friend's departure.
Speaking in 2020, Salah said: "I don't know how to say, my friend. I don't know my feeling right now, but we are going to miss you. Especially me.
"You have been an unbelievable player and great friend to me. We are going to miss you a lot. I miss you a lot. I love you so much, and you have been fantastic on and off the pitch. Thank you for everything you have done for the club, and everything you did for me.
"I wish you all the best for the future and wish you have a great career as well and enjoy the new club with your family. Thank you very much and see you soon."
Klopp's Concern and Lasting Friendship
Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 and is now the German national team boss, shared his concern for the Egyptian star. The German said: "Yesterday we said, 'Who is now the best friend of Mo? Because they are real besties. We will miss him, he's a model athlete. He has everything you need. But now he goes to Russia.'"
Lovren and Salah's relationship has endured. After Salah was criticised for speaking out against ex-manager Arne Slot following a game against Leeds United in December 2025, Lovren leapt to the defence of the winger.
"Why didn't they talk about him like this for the past eight or nine years? Tell me," Lovren said. "OK, one season and then he's the target again. There are so many other issues.
"I mean, he's being really heavily criticised. Some pundits do it just to attract attention, maybe because they haven't succeeded in other areas of their lives, so now they need to perform well... It just hurts me because I know deep down who Mo is.
"Because he's a really good guy inside with a good mind and a good heart. I honestly don't understand. He deserves so much better."
Lovren's Career After Liverpool
Lovren left Zenit after three seasons, having won three Russian League titles. He then joined Lyon, where he was a fixture for two years. He now plays for Greek side PAOK.
