Mohamed Salah was never one to talk aimlessly, so when he publicly called for Liverpool to rediscover their former identity, people always took notice.
Following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, Salah posted a strong message about the club’s need to return to standards, intensity and the style that was once feared across Europe.
Liverpool are coming off a very disappointing season. They sit fifth in the Premier League behind Aston Villa with 59 points, with their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League only coming to a final game against Brentford.
Salah’s point was clear. Liverpool have lost the ‘heavy metal’ energy that defined them under Jurgen Klopp.
He spoke of the old path from “doubter to believer to champion” and suggested Liverpool’s attacking identity should be non-negotiable.
I felt it was more than just a motivational post. It sounded like a direct warning that the club had strayed too far from its recipe for success.
Salah criticized for social media posts
Adrian Durham criticized Salah’s actions on talkSPORT.
“Undermine is an understatement.” Durham said.
“I can’t believe what Mo Salah said.
“And people will say, ‘Oh, that’s his agent.’ This is Mo Salah’s name.
“I don’t care if it’s his agent who posted it, it’s Mo Salah’s name.
“I think this is absolutely disgraceful. It basically curries favor with Liverpool fans and turns them against Arne Slott.”
Liverpool’s second season under manager Arne Slott was completely different to his first.
Slott won the Premier League in his debut season and Salah himself won the Golden Boot award last season, but everything went wrong this time.
There is also a personal layer to this. Salah has only scored seven league goals this season and is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
The strained relationship between him and Slott makes his comments feel all the more poignant.
Liverpool attacker makes wise point
Salah’s message was risky, but not entirely wrong. Did he say that personally? of course.
Public criticism always brings drama. But when a club’s standards drop so drastically, sometimes a loud voice is needed.
He knows what the club was like at its best. He was one of the biggest reasons that era happened.
That’s why when he says Liverpool need to get back to being attacking, fierce and feared, it carries weight.
However, Liverpool cannot just copy Klopp’s football forever. Slots give you the opportunity to build your own version. But whatever the system, Liverpool still need intensity, belief and courage.
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