Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has admitted that there was “tension” in his relationship with former teammate Sadio Mane during their five-year spell together at Anfield but insists it never compromised their professionalism or team performance.
Salah, who played alongside the Senegalese forward between 2017 and 2022, addressed long-standing rumours about friction between the two in an interview with French outlet L’Équipe.
“Yes, there was tension in my relationship with Sadio Mane,” Salah acknowledged. “But we were professional until the end. I don’t think that affected the team.”
The pair, who combined for 223 appearances together in all competitions, were at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking trio that also featured Brazilian Roberto Firmino. Together, they played a central role in the club’s recent golden era, which included Champions League and Premier League triumphs under manager Jürgen Klopp.
Their on-field partnership, however, was often scrutinised for signs of rivalry, particularly when it came to sharing the ball in crucial moments. One notable flashpoint came in 2019 during a Premier League match against Burnley, when Mane was visibly frustrated after being substituted—reportedly upset at Salah for not passing in a promising position.
Salah admits that their personalities may have contributed to the tension but says there was always mutual respect.
“It’s natural to want more,” the Egyptian added. “He [Mane] is a fierce competitor. Off the pitch, we weren’t very close, but we always respected each other.”
When asked about frequent accusations of being a selfish player, Salah was quick to dismiss the label and pointed to the statistics as evidence.
“People are free to think as they please, and that is their right,” he said. “But I invite everyone to note that I am the one who provided the most assists to Mane.”
Indeed, Salah’s assist record for Mane has often gone overlooked in public debate, with the Egyptian contributing several key passes and goals created for his former teammate during Liverpool’s title runs.
Salah, 31, who remains a pivotal figure at Liverpool, concluded by highlighting the way narratives can overshadow facts.
“We can look at the facts, but obviously it’s easier to make statements like that. They make headlines—and I know how things go.”
Since Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2022 and eventual move to Al Nassr, both players have continued to enjoy success individually, though fans and pundits alike have often speculated on the nature of their once-feared partnership.
