Mohamed Salah has issued a blistering critique of Liverpool following Friday's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, urging the club to return to the attacking 'heavy metal' football that defined their recent successes. The Egyptian forward, who is set to leave the club after next weekend's final match, took to social media on Saturday to express his frustration, in comments widely seen as aimed at manager Arne Slot.
Salah, who has scored 257 goals for Liverpool, said it was 'very painful' to see the team 'crumble' to yet another defeat. He wrote: 'I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies. That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good.'
The 32-year-old, who announced his departure in March, also stressed that Champions League qualification is the 'bare minimum' for a club like Liverpool. His comments were met with approval from several current players, including Curtis Jones, who added an applause emoji and later posted a separate message thanking Salah for his support in a 'disappointing season'.
Slot, whose side sit fifth in the Premier League, acknowledged the fans' frustration after the defeat, but insisted that a 'new start' next season could bring improvement. The Dutchman has faced scrutiny throughout the campaign, though reports suggest the club's hierarchy intend to keep him in charge for the forthcoming season.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been tipped to become the new Chelsea manager, adding further uncertainty to the managerial landscape. Salah's final appearance for Liverpool is expected to come against Brentford at Anfield, where the result will likely determine their Champions League fate.
