Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that he was nearly moved to tears by Mo Salah’s selflessness in the 5-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The Egyptian gave up the opportunity to take the Reds’ second penalty of the match after Dejan Lovren was fouled Sead Kolasinac, instead allowing his teammate to take the kick and complete his hat trick.
Speaking after game, as quoted by Goal, Klopp was quick to praise Salah’s attitude, who himself is chasing a second successive golden boot in the Premier League.
He said: “Mo Salah gave the penalty to Bobby [Firmino] and I almost cried because we all know how much Mo wants to score goals. It was really nice.
“Christmas is over but not between the boys!”
OPINION
Klopp may have been exaggerating a little when suggested that Mo Salah’s generosity nearly moved him to tears, but the selflessness of the act gives a fascinating insight into exactly the kind of attitude that has helped Liverpool open up such a commanding lead at the top of the league. Despite Salah’s own pursuit of another golden boot, and despite him already having a goal himself on the night, the Egyptian was more than willing to give his teammate the chance to notch his hat trick and take the plaudits in front of the Kop in a match that could go down in history as an iconic Liverpool moment. Klopp has got his men playing for the badge, and more importantly playing for each other, and the togetherness and unity they are showing at the present moment has been a crucial part of their unbeaten run. If they can keep up this kind of collective work ethic the league is theirs for the losing.
