Mo Salah's Pain Mounts Up After 'Problem' with Sadio Mané and 'Selfish' Jibe

Mohamed Salah's frustrations at Liverpool are intensifying amid lingering tensions from his past partnership with Sadio Mané. The article delves into the "worst-kept secret at Anfield," revealing a complex history of rivalry, ego clashes, and mutual respect between the two former teammates[1].

Once Liverpool's dynamic attacking duo, Salah and Mané propelled the club to Champions League glory in 2019 and a Premier League title challenge. However, behind the scenes, competition simmered. Reports highlight a pivotal 2022 moment when Mané publicly labeled Salah "selfish" after Salah opted not to pass during a match against Manchester City, opting instead for a shot that hit the post. This "problem" incident fueled speculation of a deeper rift, exacerbated by both players vying for the spotlight as primary goalscorers[1].

Mané's subsequent departure to Bayern Munich in 2022 marked the end of their on-pitch synergy, but echoes persist. Salah, now in his mid-30s, faces mounting pressure as Liverpool's form dips. Recent "pain" for Salah includes fan discontent and criticism over his leadership, with some drawing parallels to the ego-driven dynamics that strained his relationship with Mané. Insiders describe it as a "long, messy mix" of ambition and resentment, where mutual admiration coexisted with fierce rivalry[1].

The piece argues this history underscores Liverpool's current challenges. Without Mané's work rate and finishing, Salah shoulders greater burden, amplifying perceptions of self-interest. Yet, both players have since thrived individually—Mané at Al-Nassr alongside Ronaldo, Salah rewriting records at Anfield—suggesting their partnership's end was inevitable amid clashing egos[1].

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