Gerrard says Mohamed Salah’s ‘damning’ message signals deeper trouble for Slot at Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has raised serious concerns about the state of Liverpool FC, describing Mohamed Salah’s recent public remarks as a troubling indictment of manager Arne Slot and his backroom staff.

Salah, who confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the season after nine years, sparked debate with a rare and pointed statement reflecting on Liverpool’s identity.

The Egyptian forward suggested the club must rediscover its trademark “heavy metal football” following a disappointing campaign that has seen standards slip. For a player who has typically allowed his performances to do the talking, the timing and tone of the message have drawn widespread attention.

Gerrard, speaking during coverage of the FA Cup final, did not downplay the significance of Salah’s words. Instead, the former captain interpreted them as a clear signal that issues run deeper than results alone.

“Mo Salah doesn’t really speak much, he doesn’t really tweet, and he certainly doesn’t tweet like that,” he said.

The context surrounding Liverpool’s current struggles only amplifies the weight of Salah’s comments.

A 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa has left the Merseyside club fifth in the table heading into the final round of fixtures, with their hopes of securing Champions League football hanging precariously. For a side that built its recent success on intensity, cohesion and relentless attacking football, the drop-off has been stark.

Gerrard believes Salah’s intervention points to a loss of identity within the squad, something that has clearly unsettled one of the club’s modern greats.

“So I think that he’s sending a message to the outside that things in that Liverpool dressing room are not right, the identity’s gone and it’s really hurting him to see it in front of his own eyes.”

Such a candid assessment from a player of Salah’s stature inevitably places pressure on Slot, who is still in the early phase of his tenure. While managerial transitions often bring tactical evolution, Gerrard’s remarks suggest that Liverpool may have strayed too far from the principles that underpinned their most successful era in recent years.

Equally striking, however, is the timing of Salah’s statement. With just one match remaining before his departure, the forward’s decision to speak now has been interpreted as both a farewell reflection and a final attempt to influence the club’s direction.

“I’m surprised, the timing, one game to go, his last game for Liverpool. He very rarely speaks, he’s done it lately because he’s bringing the curtain down on an incredible Liverpool career.”

Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is already secure, defined by goals, trophies and a transformative impact on the club’s global standing. Yet his parting message introduces an uneasy subplot to the season’s conclusion, raising questions about the dressing room atmosphere and the effectiveness of the current tactical approach.

Gerrard did not shy away from the implications for Slot and his coaching team.

“But that is quite damning to the Liverpool manager and the staff in terms of where this team’s at.”