Salah's Quiet Truth: Walking the Talk or Just Talking It?

Mind Over Matter: Salah's Mental Game on Display

Since years, Mohamed Salah has been famous for focusing on mental preparation and relentless self-training. The Egyptian star has always stressed the importance of managing emotions, insisting that "the main thing for me is controlling your emotions."

For example, in 2019 he spoke about the lack of "mental training" in schools, saying in Egyptian Colloquial: "We didn't train hard here, man, in terms of mentality, we didn't learn much about it in schools... we are weak in it."

These contemplative statements have led some to view him as a role model in this field, especially given his success relying on methods like mental imagery.

After his penalty goal in 2017 against Congo that qualified Egypt for the 2018 World Cup, Salah explained how he imagined every detail beforehand: "I pictured the crowd shouting, the ball's position, the keeper's shape... I lived every detail in my mind before it happened."

But the calm tone and confidence Salah is known for faded at moments of more inflated behavior. In March 2021, after his then coach Klopp decided to sub him against Chelsea, his agent Ramy Abbas tweeted a single word: "Point," sparking wide speculation about his frustration.

Public Clashes and the Road Ahead

In May 2024, clashes were publicized during a Liverpool vs West Ham United match, cameras catching a tense exchange between Salah and Klopp on the touchline.

Although Klopp tried to ease tensions by saying "the matter has been resolved completely," Salah's reply "There will be fire if you talk" revealed the degree of strain between the two.

More recently, Salah sat on the bench and deleted his Liverpool jersey from his X profile cover and even removed the tag "Liverpool player," widely seen as a direct signal of his anger at his position within the squad.

A broad section of Liverpool fans criticized this behavior, arguing Salah's recent dip in form doesn't excuse the acts and that he has become more emotional and selfish, especially after wasting two clear chances against Manchester United.

Yet coach Jurgen Klopp continues to back Salah, insisting his priority is not the player's mental decline and that he remains a professional able to return.

Ramy Abbas' Role

The agent Ramy Abbas's role features prominently; many believe his sharp online presence fuels the tensions. In July 2024, Abbas posted a series of laughing emojis when Salah's new contract renewal talked up, fueling rumors of a departure.

In February 2025, he reposted a tweet claiming Liverpool led by seven points, commenting that "the coach is excellent at his job," seen as a subtle signal to the club about contract talks.

But these tactics haven't won favor; former England goalkeeper David James said Abbas's comments won't change the club's stance, "yelling doesn't make deals." Abbas also posted provocative tweets against journalists, raising questions about his influence on Salah's image and actions.

From Psychology to Reality

Analysts today present two opposing images of Salah: a diligent player promoting mental strength and emotion control, and a man reacting under pressure with atypical displays.

Some view these as natural shifts in a person under constant pressure at the European pinnacle, while others see Abbas playing a central role in creating these tensions, using digital platforms to send indirect messages to the club.

Salah now faces a practical test on how to control his emotions and move forward. His recent stances seem more reactionary than the balance he once preached. Will Salah still practice what he preaches?

Perhaps the answer lies not in a single quote or action, but in his ability to regain calm and consistency, because the core of the mental approach he once described is maintaining balance when the ground shakes beneath you.

Liverpool currently face a domestic slump, suffering their fourth league defeat in a row, 3-2 at Brentford last Saturday.

Although Salah did end his goal drought by scoring the second against the hosts, the Egyptian star will need to rediscover his usual form and mental steadiness to help the Reds fix the path before it's too late.

Punchline 1: If patience is a virtue, Salah's passport must be stamped with "delayed gratification" by now.

Punchline 2: If emotions were a currency, Salah would be paying in confidence with a side of… more goals than drama.