Simon Hughes Discusses Chasing Salah and Mo Salah’s Liverpool Career
New Delhi: Speaking at the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival in India Habitat Centre, New Delhi; Simon Hughes, senior football writer for The Athletic, recently shared insights into his latest book, Chasing Salah, which explores the life and career of Liverpool’s prolific forward Mohamed Salah. The discussion delved into Salah’s enigmatic persona, his professional relationship with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, and the dynamics that defined his tenure at the club.
Why Mo Salah?
Hughes explained his decision to write about Salah by highlighting the player’s global prominence as one of the most recognized Muslim footballers. Despite his massive achievements and consistent on-field presence since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah remains a private individual, offering limited glimpses into his personal life. Hughes found this duality intriguing and sought to unpack the factors shaping Salah’s journey.
“Despite a global fan base, Salah is seen through a narrow lens. There is a reason he shares so little, and I wanted to explore the forces around him,” Hughes stated.
Challenges in Writing the Book
Piecing together Salah’s story was not without challenges. Hughes acknowledged that Salah’s reserved nature meant the narrative required insights from those who worked closely with him, including teammates, coaches, and analysts. The book also aims to contextualize Salah’s impact within the broader cultural and societal framework, especially as a Muslim athlete navigating global football.
The Jürgen Klopp Era and Salah
The relationship between Salah and Klopp, while productive on the field, was described as “professional” rather than close.
Hughes remarked:
“The perception might be that Klopp nurtured Salah like a protégé, but in reality, their relationship was built on mutual respect rather than personal closeness.”
While Klopp’s managerial brilliance undoubtedly contributed to Liverpool’s success, including Premier League and Champions League titles, Hughes revealed that Klopp was initially hesitant to sign Salah. The club’s scouting department had to convince him of Salah’s potential. Once onboard, Salah immediately delivered, scoring on his debut and quickly becoming an indispensable figure.
Did Klopp Define Salah’s Career?
Salah’s rapid ascent at Liverpool led many to credit Klopp with unlocking his potential. However, Hughes argued that Salah’s transformation began earlier under Luciano Spalletti at Roma. Spalletti’s tactical guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Salah into a versatile and lethal attacker. Salah himself has publicly acknowledged Spalletti’s profound influence on his career.
Liverpool Post-Klopp: What’s Next for Salah?
With Klopp’s departure, questions loom over Salah’s future at Liverpool. Hughes refrained from speculating definitively but acknowledged that Klopp’s ability to manage big personalities like Salah and Sadio Mané was instrumental in maintaining Liverpool’s competitive edge. He suggested that while Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is secure, the absence of Klopp might bring challenges in replicating the team’s past success.
Team Dynamics at Liverpool
Hughes provided a nuanced perspective on the Liverpool dressing room dynamics, dispelling myths of perpetual harmony. Rivalries, such as the competitive tension between Salah and Mané, often fueled the team’s drive to succeed.
“The perception that everyone at Liverpool always got along is overly simplistic. Success often came despite these tensions, not because of their absence,” Hughes noted.
Tracing Salah’s trajectory
Chasing Salah sheds light on the enigmatic Mohamed Salah, celebrating his achievements while exploring the complexities of his career. Hughes’s work underscores the interplay between talent, managerial acumen, and individual drive, making Salah one of football’s most compelling figures.
Hughes’s revelations add layers to Salah’s story, offering fans a deeper understanding of the man behind the goals. With his legacy already etched in Liverpool’s history, Salah’s journey continues to captivate both on and off the field.
