Liverpool fans will recall their 3-0 win against Burnley during the 2019/20 season, not just for the victory but also for the incident between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The Senegalese star was visibly angry with his Egyptian teammate for opting to shoot rather than pass to Mane, who was in a better position.
After being substituted, Mane threw his training shirt and gestured angrily at Salah.
Many believed their relationship was strained afterward. In his new book, “Si Senor: My Liverpool Years,” Roberto Firmino reveals more about their dynamic.
Firmino notes that their relationship was complex and that Jurgen Klopp had to intervene after the Burnley match.
Firmino writes: “Tense moments usually passed quickly. In the next game, they’d be passing to each other and celebrating another goal.
Salah and Mane had minor issues before, but the Burnley incident was public. Their argument was serious and could have caused problems. The Boss [Klopp] and others were concerned.”
He adds: “They were never best friends and rarely talked, possibly due to the Egypt-Senegal rivalry. They acted professionally and never stopped communicating.
Salah frustrated everyone by not passing, but Klopp addressed this in front of us: when a teammate was in a better position, the ball had to be passed.
This was clearly directed at Salah. Over time, he improved significantly in this area.”
