Mohamed Salah and Pep Guardiola are two of the most iconic figures in Premier League history — how Liverpool and Manchester City cope without them will define their seasons. For the first time since 2016, Liverpool kick off a campaign without Egypt forward Salah as their talisman, while City can no longer rely on Guardiola’s managerial genius to inspire them after a glorious decade.
Salah joined Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier in August, ending the Anfield career of one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s illustrious history.
City host Bournemouth on Sunday in Enzo Maresca’s first league game as Guardiola’s successor. Now Liverpool and City launch new eras without them as the Premier League season gets underway. He produced countless magical moments while winning two Premier League titles, a Champions League and the FA Cup and League Cup.
Guardiola won six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League crown among a remarkable 20 trophies after taking charge in 2016. The 34-year-old amassed 257 goals for Liverpool in 442 appearances in all competitions, making him the third top goalscorer in the club’s history.
Salah’s rift with Slot was never fully healed and he scored just seven league goals as Liverpool finished fifth prior to the Dutch coach’s sacking.
