With the Premier League season up and running, Liverpool’s own Mohamed Salah has started the season on fire. With 2 goals Salah has already reached milestones and in a 10-minute long interview with Roger Bennett from the Men in Blazers, a football media outlet covering narratives from the beautiful game and often the Premier League, he talks about records, celebrations and much more:
Personal Milestones and Achievements:
With a goal against Ipswich Town Mohamed Salah hit 300 goal involvements in 350 games for the Reds, 213 of them being goals. Salah’s stacked trophy cabinet and goalscoring nature see’s him eclipse legends like Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler.
For Salah these records and personal milestones are more than just numbers, they are a testament and a nod to his commitment to hardwork and dedication. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” Salah remarks. “Passing legends in terms of goals is a great feeling.”
Memorable Moments in A Liverpool Shirt
Among Salah’s collection of goals, two come to his mind as standout goals of the 213. His goal in the 2019 Champions League Final against Totthenham and his first goal against fierce rivals Manchester United, ending a 2 year drought against the Red Devils.
Salah recalls the heartbreak of losing the Champions League Final the previous year to Real Madrid, and the importance of scoring in the Final next year. “Scoring in the final after losing the previous year and breaking the drought against United were moments of immense personal satisfaction,” he says.
Rivalry with Manchester United
It was only in his third year at Liverpool that Mo Salah managed to score against Man United, and since then the floodgates have opened.
With 14 goals against them, Salah’s affinity to such games isn’t driven by a personal vendetta but rather by understanding the significance the game holds for the fans of Liverpool. “I just focus on the game and try to help the team win,” Salah explains.
Evolution as a Player and a Person
Salah has entered his 8th season with Liverpool, having moved to the club at the young age of 24, Salah reflects on his and his family’s journey in the city over these 8 years.
The city has had an impact on him as well as his kids, “My kids are Scousers now; they know the language with the accent as well.” says Salah laughing.
As a player he acknowledges that he’s made the transition from a young player to being a core part of the senior group at the club. “I’ve changed a lot as a player and as a person,” Salah notes.
He’s got a better understanding of football, more control over his emotions and has gained a sense of calmness on and off the pitch, changing from the excited individual he was when he arrived in the summer of 2017.
Implementing a new style of tactic
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are in a period of tactical transition, with the Dutchman looking to apply his football philosophies which involves more control of the ball.
Salah has adapted to this change, moving from a system of counter-attacks to one where controlling and retaining the ball is crucial. “We’re still pressing high, but now we also focus on keeping possession and moving the ball around,” he explains.
Mental Adaptation
Adapting to new tactics requires both physical and mental adjustments. Salah describes how the transition from previous tactics to the new system has influenced his approach to the game. “I had to change my mindset and adapt to new pressing techniques,” he reveals.
He also mentions how after doing this a particular way under Klopp his thought process now needs to change, as it was subconsciously able to implement Klopp’s ideology on the pitch.
Salah’s Celebrations
Salah reveals that his latest celebrations is not a nod to his Egyptian heritage, with the bow and arrow often seen on hieroglyphs, but rather to UFC Fighter Israel Adesanya.
“I saw his celebration and liked it, so I decided to use it”, Salah, a fan of the UFC, picked the celebration up after Izzy defeated Alex Pereira in their second matchup.
Leaving A Legacy at Liverpool
Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is a subject of importance to him. He wishes to be remembered not only as a talented player but as one who gave everything for the club and played for the badge.
He speaks from a fans perspective saying, “They don’t have to say the best, its their decisions but at least one of the best.” Further saying, “They can say one of the top 2”, between him and Steven Gerrard the fans can have their pick.
Mo’s Commitment to Fitness
Even though Salah is one of the older players at Liverpool, his commitment to fitness is unmatched, often embodying peak athleticism. From his ripped physique and chiselled abs, to recovery using cryotherapy, Salah’s fitness routine covers all aspects.
Revealing the secret to his abs Salah says, “Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym,” implying the importance of a clean diet. His commitment to fitness goes so far that on his Instagram Salah can be seen celebrating his 32nd birthday by eating a bowl of fruits.
Salah’s Fitness Tips and Tricks
For those looking to follow in Salah’s footsteps, his fitness tips can be invaluable. He recommends focusing on a balanced diet and avoiding processed foods. “Cut out bread and dairy, and stay away from excess sugar,” Salah suggests. His approach to fitness is a simple mix of dietary discipline and consistent exercise.
