Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has urged Mohamed Salah to end his Liverpool career on a high, suggesting the Egyptian forward could still write a “fairytale” finish with the Reds.
Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and made his first appearance for Liverpool since December in Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille. His comeback came after he rejoined the Egyptian national team for AFCON duty.
Cole stressed that Liverpool must carefully manage Salah’s return, considering his physical and emotional state.
“First and foremost, you have to look at his physical, mental and emotional condition.”
“Managing a big club is mainly about managing the players. This Mohamed Salah is in a completely different state of mind than he was six months ago. It will require some management.”
Cole added that the Reds should reintegrate Salah gently, welcoming him back and reminding him of his importance to the squad.
“You have to bring him back into the group in a good way, welcome him and remind him of how important he is and his responsibilities towards the club, then see how things go.”
With Liverpool still competing across multiple competitions, Cole believes Salah could still end his time at Anfield in memorable fashion.
“Liverpool are still competing on different fronts to win titles, so this could be a fairytale ending to his Liverpool career if he wants that.”
This season, Salah has played 21 matches in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing four assists. He is expected to feature in Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth this weekend.
