PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 28: Sadio Manà of Liverpool (L) and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (R) getting into the field during the

Mohamed Salah speaks out on Mane rift: “I wasn’t selfish”

John William Last updated: May 10, 2025, 4:34 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Just Pictures

Salah Mane tension Liverpool headlines have resurfaced after Mohamed Salah opened up about his relationship with Sadio Mane during their time as teammates at Anfield. The duo formed one of the Premier League's most feared attacking partnerships, firing Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory under Jurgen Klopp. But now, Salah has admitted there was real "tension" between them, while firmly defending his reputation.

Salah Admits Tension With Mane

In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Mohamed Salah confirmed speculation about friction with former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane.

The flashpoint came in a Premier League match against Burnley when Salah opted to shoot instead of passing to a free Mane, sparking a now-infamous outburst from the Senegalese winger.

“Yes, there was tension with Sadio. But we were professional until the end. I don’t think it affected the team.”
— Mohamed Salah

International Rivalry Added Fuel

The duo’s competitive fire extended to the international stage. At the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, Mane's Senegal triumphed over Salah's Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout. Mane buried the decisive spot-kick, denying Salah a chance to take Egypt's fifth penalty.

Salah Defends His Playing Style

Facing accusations of being selfish, Salah fired back with facts:

The Egyptian winger currently leads the Premier League assists chart, reinforcing his point.

Statistic Mohamed Salah Sadio Mane
Games Together (2017–2022) 223 223
Goals Scored 120 90
Assists for Each Other 11 5
Trophies Won Together Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup
  • Salah Acknowledges Rift: Confirms he and Mane had professional tension during their Liverpool spell.
  • Infamous Burnley Incident: Triggered debate over Salah's alleged selfishness.
  • Salah Leads in Assists: Statistically proven to be Mane's top provider.
  • Respect Remained: Salah emphasizes mutual respect despite personal distance.

What’s Next?

With Mane now playing in Saudi Arabia and Salah still central to Liverpool’s plans, this revelation gives fans new perspective on a legendary duo. As Klopp’s era fades, so too does the chapter of one of the Premier League’s most iconic partnerships.

What’s your take on the Salah-Mane fallout? Were the media too harsh, or was the tension unavoidable? Let us know in the comments and share this with a fellow Liverpool supporter!

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