Mohamed Salah has intensified his public criticism of Arne Slot, marking the third significant clash between the Egyptian winger and Liverpool's manager this season. Unlike his measured restraint when dropped by Jurgen Klopp in 2024, Salah has chosen a different approach with Slot, releasing statements that target the Dutchman's tactical direction without naming him directly.
Salah's latest grievance centres on Liverpool's departure from their attacking identity. The 33-year-old claims Slot has moved away from the heavy metal football that defined Klopp's era, contributing to what he views as a disappointing campaign. His social media post garnered support from teammates, signalling broader dressing room frustration with the current setup.
Fan Backing and Tactical Concerns
The scale of supporter discontent has become undeniable. A Sky Sports poll revealed that 92 per cent of Liverpool fans back Salah over their manager, while match-going supporters demonstrated their frustration during the recent Chelsea fixture. This isn't simply a personality clash—it reflects genuine concerns about Slot's tactical philosophy and results.
Previous incidents reveal the depth of tension. In December, Salah alleged that someone at the club wanted him blamed for Liverpool's worst run of form in 71 years and that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated significantly. He called out the shift in playing style, suggesting the squad had been compromised by moving away from the aggressive pressing that characterized their successful years under Klopp.
Results Tell the Story
Liverpool's statistics paint a concerning picture. The team has failed to win any match without Salah in the starting lineup during 2025–26, demonstrating the squad's dependence on their star player and raising questions about squad depth and tactical flexibility. This reliance underscores problems that extend beyond individual performances.
Slot faces an impossible situation heading into the final fixture against Brentford. Dropping Salah risks further alienating the dressing room and ignoring the player's obvious discontent. Playing him risks appearing weak in the face of public criticism. Whatever the Dutchman decides, the damage to his authority appears substantial. With both the match-going faithful and the broader fanbase questioning his methods, Liverpool's search for stability under their new manager remains incomplete as the season concludes.
