Mo Salah chooses humility when Liverpool are called strong Premier League title contenders

“No, no. Our team has many new players. I think Arsenal are the favorites right now.”

Mohamed Salah has always been known not just for his dazzling performances on the pitch but also for his composure and humility off it. Once again, he displayed that side of his character when asked whether Liverpool should be regarded as favorites to win the Premier League title this season. Rather than embracing the role of frontrunner, Salah smiled and dismissed the suggestion with a measured response. “No, no. Our team has many new players. I think Arsenal are the favorites right now,” he said, drawing attention to the stability of Liverpool’s closest rivals.

The timing of Salah’s remarks made them even more striking. He had just been recognized at the PFA awards for another stellar campaign in which he once again proved to be the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack. With 29 goals and 18 assists across all competitions last season, Salah had not only guided his team to glory but had also been crowned PFA Player of the Year for an unprecedented third time. Yet, instead of turning that achievement into a claim of superiority, he chose to highlight the work that still lies ahead for his team and even went so far as to deflect the title of favorite toward Arsenal.

His reference to Arsenal was not random. Over the last few years, the Gunners have built a reputation for consistency and steady progress under Mikel Arteta. Unlike Liverpool, who are undergoing a period of transition with a wave of new arrivals in their squad, Arsenal have been able to maintain much of their core. This stability, Salah implied, makes them the more likely candidate to finish at the top when the season comes to an end. For a player as competitive as Salah to openly admit that a rival may be ahead of his own team speaks volumes about his ability to analyze the bigger picture with honesty.

At the same time, Salah’s choice of words can also be seen as a clever psychological move. By downplaying Liverpool’s status, he removes some of the external pressure that inevitably comes with being labeled as favorites. In doing so, he gives his teammates the chance to focus on growth and adaptation rather than being weighed down by expectations. His humility may also work as a motivational tool, subtly challenging Liverpool to prove everyone wrong and rise above what outsiders think of them.

It is worth remembering that despite Salah’s modesty, Liverpool remain a formidable side. Last season they clinched the league with a ten-point margin, a feat that underlined their strength and resilience. Salah’s numbers alone are a testament to that. He not only topped the scoring charts for the club but also registered more assists than anyone else in the squad. Even in matches where Liverpool struggled, it was Salah’s vision, pace, and finishing that often made the difference. To many observers, such contributions automatically place Liverpool among the favorites, regardless of what Salah himself might say.

But his remarks about “many new players” are far from empty words. Liverpool are indeed in a phase of adjustment. With fresh faces coming into the team, the challenge is not only about individual quality but about building chemistry, trust, and understanding on the pitch. Salah, as one of the senior figures, knows that this process takes time. By pointing it out publicly, he signals that while Liverpool are strong, they are also realistic about the hurdles they face before reaching peak cohesion.

His nod to Arsenal’s consistency can also be viewed as a respectful recognition of a rival’s progress. Over the past two or three seasons, Arsenal have gradually shed the label of nearly-men and positioned themselves as genuine contenders. For Salah to highlight them suggests not weakness, but a deep understanding of the competitive environment in English football. It also reflects a leadership style that values fairness and sportsmanship, qualities that often elevate the influence of players far beyond their own teams.

Yet beneath his humility lies an unspoken challenge. When Salah says Arsenal are favorites, there is an implicit message to his teammates: let the world underestimate us, and let’s prove them wrong. This quiet defiance has long been part of Liverpool’s DNA under leaders like Jürgen Klopp in the past and now under Arne Slot. It is an approach that thrives on determination, hard work, and the will to upset the odds.

For the fans, Salah’s words may inspire mixed emotions. On one hand, they may feel slightly deflated hearing their talisman suggest that Liverpool are not the strongest side. On the other hand, many will recognize the wisdom in his humility. Supporters have seen Salah time and again back up his words with actions, and they know that humility off the pitch often translates into hunger and focus on it. In fact, his comment could be the perfect fuel to spark another relentless push for silverware.

What is certain is that Salah’s leadership extends far beyond scoring goals. He embodies a rare combination of brilliance and modesty, the kind that strengthens not only his reputation but also the spirit of his team. In a world where many players thrive on bold declarations, Salah chooses a quieter, more thoughtful path. It is this very quality that makes him such a revered figure, not just at Liverpool but in football as a whole.

As the season unfolds, Salah’s words will be tested on the field. Whether Arsenal truly live up to his prediction or Liverpool rise to prove him wrong, his statement will remain a reminder that success in football is never guaranteed, no matter how much talent a team possesses. And perhaps, just perhaps, Salah’s humility will be remembered as the very spark that drove Liverpool to another historic campaign.