On Tuesday, the 33-year-old Pharaohs skipper confirmed his departure in an emotional Instagram video, bringing to a close a nine-year spell in which he scored 255 goals in 435 appearances—placing him third on the club’s all-time list—and helped deliver multiple major trophies.
Klopp is Salah’s partner in the success he achieved with Liverpool, being at the helm of Liverpool when Salah joined the team in 2017 from AS Roma.
Salah, who helped the team win several trophies, was a key element for Klopp until the German coach left in 2024.
“He’s right up there,” Klopp told This is Anfield.com on Sunday, referring to Salah as one of the greats in the Reds' history.
“I cannot compare him to others really, but only to the people and players I have worked with," Klopp added.
“Whether I speak as a former coach or follower, of Liverpool, Salah is definitely up there with the greatest of all time,” the former Borussia Dortmund coach added.
A fantastic ambassador
Under Klopp's guidance, Salah won the Champions League, Premier League, three domestic cups, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
“I don’t have to say that because you read the numbers. You know they are already something special, and there must be some special player behind that,” the coach explained.
“He’s set new standards and produced incredible numbers. He was a fantastic ambassador for his country and for the whole region there."
“A great guy, a real competitor, intense for a manager as well. He knows that, and we both had our moments together, but we always found each other again quickly because we both wanted the maximum success for our team," he added.
New destination unknown yet
Liverpool said Salah had “reached an agreement” to leave a year before his contract expires, departing on a free transfer after cutting short a two-year extension signed in April 2025.
The exit follows a difficult campaign and comes amid reports of earlier tensions with head coach Arne Slot, reinforcing a broader narrative of transition at the club.
Salah’s form has dipped notably this season, with 10 goals in 34 appearances, a sharp decline from last term. The drop is widely seen as reflecting broader issues within the squad.
Speculation over his next destination has intensified, particularly around a potential move to Saudi Arabia, although his agent has said no decision has been made regarding his future.
“Life goes on, and that’s how it should be, and when we meet as we do now for a Legends game, and you meet all the other guys from the past, it’s like a meeting with your old schoolmates,” Klopp said.
Salah, the role model
Klopp also heaped praise on Salah’s manner outside the pitch and how he had a positive effect on his teammates.
“That’s one of the biggest strengths. It is the consistency. Being available is everything,” Klopp added.
“I have seen massive talents, but it’s not only attitude, but it’s luck as well. You may have a body that allows you to be nearly perfect, while others may not. Then you have to work incredibly hard, and that’s what he did. He set standards every day. He was a role model for a lot of young players, who saw that and thought, oh, that’s what I have to do," the German coach explained, extolling Salah's virtues.
“Great teammate, great guy, not really great company when he’s not scoring! That’s exactly how big players are.”
As a goal machine, Salah was rarely substituted. But even on the few occasions Klopp substituted him, Salah would return to score more goals. According to Klopp, scoring goals was the only thing on Salah's mind.
“Oh yeah, 87th minute and five minutes extra time mean in Mo’s mind that it’s probably eight goals possible and I took them all away!,” the coach explained.
“It’s all good, that’s what you need. The desire, the eagerness, even the selfishness. We criticize him for being too selfish, but then celebrate the goal when he outplays five players,” he added.
In conclusion, Klopp stated that he really loved being part of Salah’s career and journey. He said that he fully understands how influential Salah has been. He wished Salah a marvellous final match with Liverpool and for everyone to end the season on such a positive note.
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