Mohamed Salah is desperate for Liverpool’s players to continue his level of dedication when he leaves the club this summer.
The 33-year-old is closing in on his departure after nine record-breaking years at Anfield and will be almost impossible to replace both on and off the pitch.
That’s not only due to Salah’s world-class ability, but also because of his hunger off the pitch, keeping himself in remarkable shape and setting the culture in training.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Liverpool legend said he is worried about whether there will be someone there to take over the mantle when he is gone, in terms of setting the culture of training.
“I remember when I came here first, I think nobody was working before training,” Salah explained.
“I remember Milly (James Milner), Sadio [Mane] and Adam [Lallana] were working after training.
“I came, I wanted to work before training and after training. I want to work all the time, then they also worked before training.
“I’m happy about it that new guys came and see Mo’s come into the building first and gone to the gym, so it automatically changed.
“This is something I’m very proud of, and something, if I’m being very honest because I love this place so much, I have my best years here, I want the guys to continue like that.
“I want to succeed, I want the club to be there, and this is one of the main concerns.
“I spoke to a member of staff and the guys up there, I told them when I leave you need an example, you need people to come early and go to the gym.
“If this doesn’t happen, it will be tricky for the club, because it’s very necessary, you put the standard high.
“People have to come early, people have to go to the gym and look after themselves, and I don’t want that to change after I leave.
“I want that standard in the club, it’s very important for the team to keep winning things, and this is one of the main concerns for me.”
Mo Salah explains his ‘reason’ for exit
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Salah also explained his imminent exit from Liverpool, making it clear that behind-the-scenes issues may have played a part.
“Last season I wasn’t ready to go, but now with everything going on in the season, I don’t go into detail, but you know what it’s time,” he added.
“I want to go, there is a lot of things behind the scenes people don’t know about it, I have peace with it.”
In a separate interview with Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports, Salah joked about how he had “also played right-back this season,” providing a hint into what he perceives as tactical differences with Arne Slot.
This all highlights what an incredible character Salah is, and why he has been a driving force behind Liverpool’s success in this era.
No player works harder in the gym, inspiring others to do the same, and his level of drive is going to be so hard to replace.
With Andy Robertson also leaving, and possibly Alisson as well, it is up to the younger Liverpool players to continue setting the standards they have and not let them slip.