Mo Salah
I love football and while there are times it breaks my heart, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The highs are wonderful, the lows can be a real bummer. From seeing a sparsely populated RSC in the 90’s, when the club was languishing in the second tier, to watching Waterford FC live on national telly with thousands regularly flocking to home games, it proves that things can change. Slowly, maybe, but there’s always hope. Even so, the expectations of football fans seem to go into overdrive given a whiff of success. It’s almost like they can totally forget where they’ve come from. You’d swear some club’s supporters feel they have a divine right to be winning all the time.
When it’s only about the results and the actual matches, that’s one thing, but when it spills over in to personal territory, I draw the line.
I have no time for fickle fans who go on forums lauding their favourite player or manager one minute and then stick the knife in the next. Yes, we all have an opinion, but God it gets juvenile sometimes. These “experts’” considered views can change with the weather.
As far as Liverpool goes, the fortunes of Jurgen Klopp’s side have taken an unexpected tumble and I for one didn’t see it coming. That said, Klopp deserves as decent a farewell as can be mustered.
If the team has faltered and lost ground, well and good. A top 3 finish would appear to be our best available outcome. Even so, some fans appear to have forgotten a lot of the fantastic football we’ve been treated to thus far this season. Not to mention more silverware with the Caribou Cup success at Wembley.
What has disappointed me is talk of a rift between two club legends - Klopp and star striker Mo Salah. The Egyptian talisman had a well-documented side-line confrontation with his manager recently and again, at time of writing, I’m not privy to what exactly went on.
It wasn’t pleasant, but it looks like it was blown up out of proportion. I’m hoping it’s a storm in a teacup and everyone has moved on, spats happen. These two shouldn’t let a wonderful history be soured.
A little frustration coming to the surface is unfortunate but no big deal. This should have been done in private if there are issues. Every workplace has them. Sort it amongst yourselves.
Since his arrival in 2017, Salah has been a phenomenon at Anfield and will go down as a Liverpool legend in anyone’s book. He may well move on at the end of this season but that’s by no means certain at this point. Online chatter seems to suggest he’s staying put and will sign a new contract but anything could happen on this front so watch this space.
Were he to make his exit, I would hate it to be under any kind of cloud as the finish is in sight. His form of late has been poor by his own very high standards and it’s debateable that he’s just burned out. He is 31. His best playing days are possibly behind him and he may need a change. For financial reasons, and with a new coach incoming in the summer, the hierarchy may decide to cash in now and avail of an attractive offer that should be forthcoming. That’s also in doubt though.
The Saudi’s have expressed their intentions previously but who’s to say they won’t look further afield. It could be that will be his next destination though I‘d be surprised if some top European clubs don’t enter the ring. The money would be hard to turn down if it’s as much as some say he may go for.
I get the impression he hasn’t been happy for a while. Since returning from injury a few months ago, he’s clearly not been the same player. He may be frustrated that he’s not been able to deliver the performances he has been renowned for but he’s not alone.
A few Liverpool team mates, for whatever reason, have fallen away form-wise and whether Klopp’s impending departure has distracted some players focus, who knows.
We all know there comes a time though for everyone to see the writing on the wall. I’d much prefer Salah bowed out gracefully than stay and see his incredible legacy in danger of being tainted.
He’s been a breath of fresh air over the last few seasons and I would sincerely want him to be happy and do whatever he needs to in order to make that happen. If it’s remaining for another season or so under the new regime or heading to pastures new, he’ll always have a special place in fans’ hearts.
No one can maintain his level of performance forever and I think it would be sad to see a great player in decline. More importantly, I hope these two titans of the game close the door gently and go gracefully.
Whatever the remainder of this campaign throws up, Mo Salah has a few matches left to say goodbye properly if he so desires. Life is short enough, God knows, and football careers particularly fleeting.
These two have soldiered together for to long to spoil it now. Whatever lies ahead for both of them, I wish them only the very best. Thank you guys and one thing for sure, you’ll never be forgotten.
