Jurgen Klopp sends warning to Liverpool over Mohamed Salah transfer replacement

The German was back on Merseyside ahead of the annual legend's game, with Klopp set to manage against another of his former sides: Dortmund. Speaking beforehand, the ex-Reds boss was asked about Salah's decision to leave the club

Jurgen Klopp spoke about how Liverpool can replace Mohamed Salah

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool is losing an “irreplaceable” player in Mohamed Salah, but warned his former side not to “chase the shadows” as it looks to move on from the peerless Egyptian.

Salah announced on Tuesday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, calling time on his nine-year stint as a Red. Klopp, who signed him in 2017 and was his head coach for seven seasons, has said in numerous interviews this week that the 33-year-old’s incredible output cannot be replicated.

The German is back on Merseyside to take charge of a Liverpool legends’ side on Saturday at Anfield, against another of his former clubs, Dortmund. Prior to the charity match, he attended a walking soccer game organized by the LFC Foundation at the nearby Anfield Sports and Community Centre, where Salah was inevitably the subject of conversation once again.

“This specific kind of player is irreplaceable,” opined Klopp, clad once again in red with a Liverpool bird on his chest.

“That’s always how it is. There will be a void that somebody will fill. It’s always in our minds how much time, how much space – yeah, how much time do we give to whoever is going to play there in whatever system the manager will play. But the specific player, Mo Salah?

“I’m not sure there is even another one existing out there. There are other people playing on that wing with different strengths, different qualities, but it is the numbers he produces – they are unmatched from that position.

“I don’t know if there was ever any player who had that [from there]. The numbers for a winger are ridiculous. For a striker they are pretty much unmatched. That’s how it is. So, if it is impossible, why should you try?”

Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)

In the latter stages of Klopp’s Liverpool premiership, he oversaw the beginning of the transition from his title-winning side in 2020 to the team currently matched by Arne Slot. Salah’s exit will mark another important juncture in that evolution, while Klopp stalwart Andy Robertson could follow him out the door this summer.

The now Red Bull soccer chief believes Liverpool’s great players can only be fully appreciated once they have left the Reds.

“I’m not in the role to advise anyone, but just bring players in and play the kind of football which can be successful,” said Klopp. “That is pretty much everything. We lost Sadio Mane. We could sing a song about him. What a player he was.

Klopp and Salah enjoyed some great times together at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

“Bobby Firmino – oh my God. On the day Gini [Wjinaldum] went, probably none of you thought: ‘That’s a big miss.’ Until he was not there anymore, and then you thought: ‘Oh, he was the combination of technique, power, tactical discipline and all these kind of things.’”

“Then Hendo [Jordan Henderson] left. Some thought: ‘good; it’s time.’ Milly [James Milner] went and all these kind of things. That’s just how it is.

“But other players came in: Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], Ryan [Gravenberch], Dom [Szoboszlai]. That’s how it is. Don’t try to chase the shadows. Find a new way and play.”

The LFC Foundation aims to tackle social inequality in Liverpool and abroad. It focuses on improving health, championing learning and enhancing employability opportunities for all. The previous eight Liverpool legends’ games have helped to raise over £9million for the Foundation.