Mohamed Salah cheekily suggested that Liverpool’s latest title triumphed tasted all the more sweeter without Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, as well as the mastermind Jurgen Klopp.
The formidable trio were instrumental in Liverpool’s previous title win under Klopp in 2020, wreaking havoc on defences across the league. However, with both Mane and Firmino having departed Anfield, Salah stands alone as the sole member of that attacking force to clinch a second league title.
Salah’s form has been nothing short of extraordinary this season, with an impressive tally of 46 goal contributions in just 34 matches propelling Arne Slot’s men to their 20th domestic championship, matching a historic record.
Yet, amidst the jubilation following the comprehensive 5-1 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday, Salah’s thoughts drifted to his old Anfield mates. Despite the joy, he confessed that this victory felt even more poignant.
Reflecting on the muted 2020 festivities, hindered by COVID-19 restrictions which barred fans from witnessing the trophy presentation at Anfield, Salah remarked: “Ah, this is way better 100 per cent. Without Sadio, without Jurgen, without Bobby, with everybody it feels more special, with the fans. But you know, you have a different group now, a different manager and you show you are able to do it again – it’s something special.
Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah has heaped praise on new boss Arne Slot, suggesting the Dutchman’s tactics have allowed him to flourish in front of goal. When asked if Slot had improved him as a player, Salah joked: “You can see the numbers! Now I don’t have to defend much.
“The tactics are quite different. I said, ‘As long as you rest me defensively I will provide offensively’, so I am glad that I did. He listened a lot and you can see the numbers.”
Salah acknowledged that defending is a necessary part of playing in the Premier League, but revealed he told Slot that he can make a difference if given the freedom to gamble and create chances, pointing to his impressive number of assists as proof.