Mohamed Salah has appeared to question Arne Slot’s tactical approach, urging Liverpool to rediscover the “heavy metal” identity that defined the Jurgen Klopp era.
The Egyptian forward voiced his frustration after Liverpool’s damaging defeat at Aston Villa, suggesting the team has lost the fear factor that once made them dominant in England and Europe.
Slot’s tenure has leaned towards a more controlled, possession-based style, but Salah insists the club’s core identity should remain non-negotiable.
Despite the tension over playing style, Liverpool’s immediate priority is securing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
The loss at Villa Park means they must now win their final game against Brentford to guarantee their place in next season’s competition.
The defeat also highlighted the scale of Liverpool’s decline, marking their 12th Premier League loss and 19th in all competitions this season.
They have now conceded 52 league goals – the highest in a 38-game Premier League campaign in the club’s history – underlining the defensive issues that have plagued Slot’s side throughout the campaign.
Mohamed Salah posted on X: “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. 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.”
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.
Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and… pic.twitter.com/xsnD14QLTQ
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 16, 2026
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