Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Egyptian star Mohamed Salah as “one of the greatest” as he prepares to face him for the final time this weekend as a Liverpool player.
Liverpool will meet Manchester City on Saturday in the FA Cup quarter-finals, just days after Salah announced his departure from the Reds.
Guardiola: Mohamed Salah is a true legend
Guardiola acknowledged Salah’s immense contributions, describing him as a legendary figure for Liverpool and the Premier League. He said, “He is one of the greatest players. Look at the numbers, the consistency.”
He added, “What a player, what an incredible person. Goals, assists… he is an absolute legend for Liverpool and for the Premier League with everything he has achieved.”
He continued, “I think tomorrow will be a good time to say goodbye to him in this country. He deserves immense recognition for what he has given to world football.”
Four European giants are considering signing Salah
Guardiola has openly admitted that his battles against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were the toughest of his career, and Salah was key to that. The City manager previously stated: “During our battles against Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, Salah was always the most powerful weapon. You can prepare for everything – controlling the game, dominating possession – but in one moment, he can destroy you.”
Salah’s stats against Guardiola and Manchester City
In 25 matches against City, Salah has won nine and scored some unforgettable moments, including his lobbed goal against Ederson from long range in 2018 and his stunning solo goal in 2021 when he dribbled past the entire City defense in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
The 34-year-old has scored a total of 13 goals against Manchester City while wearing the Liverpool jersey, and provided 8 assists. However, he has suffered more defeats than victories, losing 10 matches and drawing 6, compared to only 9 wins.
Slot also praises Salah
Liverpool manager Arne Slott paid tribute to Salah after the announcement of his departure, using the pre-match press conference for the City game to lavish praise on the “Egyptian King.”
The Dutch coach said, “What he has given to this club over many years is incredible, every three days, scoring goals, providing assists, having a huge impact on the club, and winning trophies.”
He continued, “I hope he adds two more trophies to his tally. Mohamed Salah has always given his all for this club throughout his time here. I hope he can achieve even more, but that’s unrealistic because he always gives his all.”
A major blow… Liverpool star out for the rest of the season
“If Mohamed Salah is the same player he has been in over the past few seasons, it will be a huge help to us at the end of the season,” he added.
Salah this season with Liverpool
Salah scored in Liverpool’s first match of the season against Bournemouth in the Premier League, but things haven’t gone well for the Egyptian star since.
Salah has experienced a significant dip in form, reflected in his statistics. So far, he has played 34 matches, scoring 10 goals: 5 in the Premier League, 3 in the Champions League, and 2 in the FA Cup. He has also provided 9 assists, marking his worst record since joining Liverpool in 2017.
Salah faced a real crisis with Slot last November after being left out of four consecutive matches, before the issue was resolved prior to his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
In two matches against City this season, Salah has failed to score or assist, when the Reds were defeated 3-0 at the Etihad and 2-1 at Anfield in the Premier League.
