Since arriving at Anfield for £34 million, Salah has frequently been criticised for being a somewhat avaricious player who is just interested in scoring goals for himself.
Firmino implied that this opinion also applied to the Egyptian’s teammates, even though this may be a little unjust. The Brazilian explained in a passage from his recently released book that The Guardian published today how Salah’s avarice used to irritate anyone who shared a pitch with him.
Firmino implied that this opinion also applied to the Egyptian’s teammates, even though this may be a little unjust. The Brazilian explained in a passage from his recently released book that The Guardian published today how Salah’s avarice used to irritate anyone who shared a pitch with him.
“I don’t know if he was aware of it or not, but Salah used to frustrate everyone when he didn’t pass the ball,” Bobby says.
“I knew how to handle that situation better than most. Klopp addressed this issue in front of all of us: when a teammate was in a better position, the ball had to be passed. It was a clear hint aimed at Salah.
“Over the years, I must say, this aspect of his game improved significantly. He gradually learned to be less selfish and more cooperative – notwithstanding the fact that he is a striker, a goalscorer, and every goalscorer tends to be a bit ‘greedy’ in the pursuit of a goal. That’s normal.”
Firmino lets the tea drop.
Firmino made his statement with one significant event in mind: Sadio Mane’s angry outburst towards Salah during a 2019 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Mane was upset with Liverpool’s No. 11 for not playing him when he was in a good position, despite the fact that Liverpool won the match handily.
The two forwards’ relationship appeared chilly after that.
Firmino responds to it by saying he frequently talked to Mane about Salah and suggested ways to relieve the Senegalese’s tension.
The two forwards’ relationship appeared chilly after that.
Firmino responds to it by saying he frequently talked to Mane about Salah and suggested ways to relieve the Senegalese’s tension.
“Mane was more intense in both good and bad moments,” says the former Red.
“He was the most explosive of the three of us and he was also the person with whom I had the most freedom to discuss this issue. I was always talking to him, giving advice, trying to calm him down. I would tell him to find peace, play for the team, and stay relaxed.”
Ultimately, Salah’s “greediness” can be interpreted as a sign of immaturity. The Egyptian has developed into a goal creator as well as a goal scorer as he has gotten older.
Yes, he still exhibits moments of selfishness, but without that streak, he couldn’t accomplish the things he does. Now, though, he possesses an amazing and unexpected creative streak to go along with his keen eye for goals. If only Firmino and Mane were still around to enjoy the fruits of it.