Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks disappointed after conceding the 4-1 goal during the English Premier League match Aston Villa against Liverpool FC, in Birmingham, Britain, 15 May 2026. EPA/PETER POWELL
Monday May 18, 2026. 14:03
Liverpool FC winger Mohamed Salah has ramped up the pressure on Arne Slot by publicly demanding the team return to Jurgen Klopp’s iconic “heavy metal” attacking football, criticising the his side’s “crumbling” performances and repeated defeats this season as unacceptable for the fans.
In a strongly worded statement after yet another loss—a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Friday night—the Egyptian superstar insisted this high-intensity, feared style that opponents dread must be non-negotiable, permanently recovered, and adopted by every player who joins the club.
Salah made it clear that winning occasional games isn’t enough for the outgoing Premier League champions’ identity, while reaffirming his commitment to securing Champions League qualification as the bare minimum.
“I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions. It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that,” the 33-year-old said.
Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. 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. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.
“Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games. Liverpool will always be a club that means a great deal to me and to my family. I want to see it succeed for long after I have moved on. As I’ve always said, qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen.”
With Salah leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this summer amid tensions with Slot and Liverpool must beat Brentford at Anfield on Sunday 24 May from fifth place on 59 points to secure Champions League football — with accomplished player is expected to start in his farewell game.