When Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium this weekend, it won’t just be another big game.

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City – a modern-day rivalry that has produced some of the best football battles in recent years.

The stakes are always high, and this one is no different.

Liverpool go into the game as league leaders, 17 points ahead of City, but Guardiola’s side have played one game fewer.

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Despite the gap, nobody at Anfield is underestimating the challenge ahead.

Salah knows it will be tough.

He knows City have a legendary manager, top players, and home advantage.

But he also knows Liverpool have what it takes.

Salah has been a huge part of that.

The Egyptian is having another sensational season, leading the Premier League in both goals (24) and assists (15).

He recently moved within one goal of Gordon Hodgson on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list.

At 32, he’s still getting better.

But how does he keep this level up?

Mohamed Salah reveals ‘work he does almost everyday’ ahead of Etihad clash

Speaking ahead of the game, Salah gave an insight into what keeps him at the top.

“I do work on my body almost every day and I also work mentally, to stay focused and stay calm,” he revealed via Liverpoolfc.com

It’s not just about physical fitness, though.

Salah has evolved as a player.

“It’s fun, it’s different but I see it in a different way now.

I am more experienced,” he said.

He explained how his role as a senior player has changed his approach, “When you are one of the senior players in the group you have to care not just on the field.”

He compared it to his early days at Liverpool.

“In the past, when I came here in the first year, I probably was thinking just about the field and playing, and not about the players.”

“But now, for example, I was downstairs early and Virgil [van Dijk] came in second and we were just talking about the result [against Villa], that we are not happy and what we can improve and what we can change.”

His game has also changed when it comes to his teammates.

“I think I am trying to study more their game and not just my game.”

“In the past I think I used to just know my game and they needed to adapt to me.”

“Now, with time and if you want to improve yourself, you need to adapt to their games as well so I study their games,” Salah said.

That means extra work outside training too.

“I watch the players most of the time when they train and when they play.

I go home and watch as well sometimes…”

“I need to adapt my game to their game so that is making me improve in that part.”

With his fitness, mentality, and tactical awareness all on point, Salah is as sharp as ever.

And with a massive showdown at the Etihad coming up, Liverpool fans will hope their No.

11 delivers once again.

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