Klopp predicts Salah’s future beyond Liverpool… and insists: ‘I’ve never seen a player like him’

Klopp, reflecting on Mohamed Salah’s impending departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, predicts the forward known as ‘The Pharaoh’ will remain on the pitch until he is almost 40.

The legendary former Liverpool manager was reflecting on Salah’s exceptional Anfield career.

Last month the forward announced that his ninth campaign with the club would be his last, bringing to a close a trophy-laden spell that included the 2019 Premier League and Champions League, plus the Club World Cup, FA Cup and two EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) triumphs.

With 255 goals, the iconic forward sits third on the club’s all-time scoring list, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

Klopp, who has coached Salah for seven seasons at Anfield, believes the forward still has plenty to offer his next club as he prepares to celebrate his 34th birthday next June.

Klopp stated, "Others may have said that in the past when they were counting Ian Rush’s goals or someone else’s, but I don’t think anything like Salah’s career will happen again."

He added: “The combination of everything he has—his character, determination and sheer desire—is unique; I’ve never seen anyone like him. Watch him train and you’d instantly recognise his talent: his left foot, his pace… It’s brilliant. He started scoring goals because he wasn’t happy with his finishing at Roma, so he built a goal in his garden.”

He continued: “Many players set up goals in their gardens to practice, but Salah did it for seven hours a day. Every summer he returned from holiday with a new skill or idea.”

“Remember last season when we won the title? How many goals he created, and how he did it. He’d cut inside when you thought he’d shoot, then Cody Gakpo or someone else would arrive. We saw it all, and he executed it perfectly.”

He concluded, “He keeps coming up with something new; he never stops, and he won’t stop. He’s 33 now and has another five or six years ahead of him, 100 per cent.”

The former Liverpool manager commented on Salah’s future, saying: “Let’s wait and see where he goes. Once again, top-class players like Mo aren’t always easy to deal with, and that’s only natural.” 

He added: “A manager’s job is not to make everyone smile every day; it’s to push them to the next level, even if that means upsetting them at times.”

He added, “You’re angry? Good, take it out on the pitch, not here.” The manager stressed that such nuanced support often yields strong responses, and that Salah consistently rose to the challenge.

Speaking about Mohamed Salah’s future during his final days at Anfield, Klopp said: “I’m really curious and I’m eagerly looking forward to his final matches. He knows this wonderful period is coming to an end, so let’s enjoy it… and we know that Mohamed Salah only enjoys football when he’s scoring goals.”