Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lavished praise upon departing Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash between the two clubs will represent Salah’s last encounter against City in a Reds shirt.
Both sides have shared a remarkable rivalry in recent seasons – particularly during Jurgen Klopp‘s tenure at Anfield. No club outside of Liverpool and City have claimed the Premier League title since Chelsea in 2016/17, with the Reds lifting it twice and Guardiola’s side securing it six times throughout that stretch. Salah has netted 13 goals in 25 outings against the Blues and will be desperate to find the net this weekend as Arne Slot‘s men seek to salvage a disappointing campaign.
Liverpool have fallen to defeat in both previous encounters with City this season, with Salah drawing a blank on each occasion. Yet Guardiola remains acutely conscious of the forward’s danger and has applauded the Egyptian’s contribution to English football, having represented both Chelsea and Liverpool throughout an illustrious career.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: « One of the greats. What a player! I think he’s an incredible human being.
« Goals and assists, an absolute legend for Liverpool and for the whole Premier League for what he has done.
« I think it’s a good moment to say goodbye to him in this country tomorrow, he deserves the incredible recognition that he has given to world football, especially in this country. »
Liverpool face a formidable Champions League quarter-final clash against holders Paris Saint-Germain following Saturday’s match, yet Guardiola believes the Reds remain a genuine threat in Europe’s premier competition.
He added: « The team made an incredible investment last season to be there many years, they are in the Champions League.
« It is a top contender, top class players. »
Liverpool may need to win this season’s Champions League in order to secure their place in next year’s tournament.
The Reds currently occupy fifth position in the Premier League table, which ought to be sufficient to guarantee their spot, though a run of three successive league matches without victory has cast doubt over their qualification prospects.
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