Josh Williams, writer and podcaster
Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. That isn’t open for debate. But everyone makes mistakes, and after the draw at Leeds, Salah made a huge one. By turning to the media to air his personal grievances, he essentially justified Arne Slot’s decision to bench him for three consecutive games. Salah’s recent behavior suggests he’s an individual playing in a team sport—an individual Liverpool can’t quite afford to carry right now.
Liverpool had conceded 10 goals in three games before Salah was dropped. That had to stop. And with the Egyptian struggling to deliver in the final third this season, it made sense for Slot to experiment without his superstar—the player who defends the least. To reinforce that message, Slot placed Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s best presser, in Salah’s position.
Liverpool’s subsequent matches have been less thrilling for neutrals, with the Reds restricting West Ham, Sunderland, and Inter to very few dangerous shots. Leeds created almost nothing in 72 minutes before Ibrahima Konaté’s random error changed everything. Slot is prioritizing stability over stardust right now, and Salah is taking it personally.
Chris Smith, author of Always Liverpool
It’s possible to be disappointed in Salah’s actions—which I see as emotionally driven rather than calculated—while still sympathizing with his sentiment. Salah has a right to feel scapegoated and undefended. By dropping him, Slot gave life to the narrative that Salah is the problem. Was it deliberate and self-serving? It doesn’t matter. It sent a message: Liverpool were moving on from the player who fired us to a title. And Mo had something to say about that.
In part, this is a crisis of Slot’s own making. The communication breakdown is a failure of man-management. I already had major concerns over how Slot disregards certain squad members, and Mo certainly required careful handling. Now Salah is cast as a pariah, with Jamie Carragher leading the pitchfork parade. No longer a “little dancer,” but selfish and egotistical. Criticizing those traits ignores how Liverpool have benefited tremendously from Salah’s unwavering belief in his own greatness and his hunger to achieve more—for himself and for the club.
Salah still has immense value to this team. The idea that his powers have faded so dramatically and so soon is absurd. The situation is redeemable, but I doubt that’s the club’s desire, despite Slot saying on Friday he has “no reason” to want Salah to leave. Mo’s Liverpool career probably ends here—without a proper goodbye or a chance to say thank you. And that’s desperately sad.
Salah in happier times with Liverpool supporters following the Premier League title-winning victory over Tottenham at Anfield in April. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters
Chloe Bloxam, presenter for The Redmen TV
Liverpool have been having a turbulent season, and Salah’s comments last weekend have only heightened the sense of disarray around the club. The Egyptian King is an Anfield legend, one of the very best to ever wear the red shirt, and undoubtedly a Premier League great. All that said, I don’t agree with the way he voiced his frustration publicly by seeking out the media.
I can understand Salah’s frustration at not starting—players with an elite mentality shouldn’t enjoy sitting on the bench. But the reality is he hasn’t been in form, and Szoboszlai, who has replaced him on the right wing for the past three Premier League games, has been Liverpool’s heart and soul. If any player has a problem with the club or the manager, it should be discussed and resolved internally, away from the public eye—especially now, given how much attention and scrutiny has been on Merseyside recently. In that regard, it’s good news that Slot andSalah will speak ahead of Saturday’s match against Brighton.
Overall, this entire situation reflects poorly on the club and has created an unnecessary divide among the fans, who should be united in supporting Liverpool as they try to turn their season around.
— Adam Smith, contributor to The Anfield Wrap
First and foremost, Salah is a Liverpool legend. When his career is over, he will be remembered as one of the greatest to wear the shirt. Like many superstars, Salah can also be incredibly self-focused. This isn’t the first time he has used the media to present his side of a disagreement, having spent most of his Liverpool career avoiding interviews.
However, I wonder if this is the first time he has misread the supporters’ mood. While some will always side with him, others have been disappointed by his attempt to frame this as a “me or Slot” issue at such a critical time. So why has he chosen to do this now? I can’t shake the feeling that he is confronting the later stages of his career and is uneasy about what comes next.
Liverpool’s long-term future does not include Mohamed Salah, which must be a difficult reality for him. Perhaps he is preparing to leave before the club makes that decision.
— Andrew Beasley, freelance football writer
What Salah did is unacceptable. No player is bigger than Liverpool, regardless of their past contributions. Yet Salah seems to believe he is. “I don’t have to fight for my position every day because I earned it,” he said at Elland Road. He earned it in the past, certainly—but not so much now. Slot was right to try alternatives.
Salah hasn’t just underperformed this season; he has only two more non-penalty goals and assists than Szoboszlai in 2025. Despite playing in various roles, the Hungarian has produced nearly as much tangible output as Salah, for whom such numbers are usually a given.
While Liverpool’s title defense has been disappointing, their struggles have been somewhat exaggerated. They are three points off fourth in the league and ninth in the Champions League. The situation could improve quickly. Everyone pulling together would help, but the club’s highest-paid player seems to feel he is above that.
There has been talk that Slot has lost the dressing room. Given the unity shown in Milan, it may be more accurate to say Salah has lost it.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Mo has misjudged the mood Liverpool Fans on the Salah Situation
Q What does Mo has misjudged the mood refer to
A It refers to the feeling among some Liverpool fans that star player Mohamed Salah made a public comment or action that didnt align with the current feelings of the fanbase especially during a sensitive time for the team
Q What exactly did Mo Salah do or say
A This usually points to instances where Salah has publicly discussed contract negotiations hinted at uncertainty about his future or posted something on social media that fans felt was poorly timedlike after a disappointing team result
Q Why are Liverpool fans upset about this
A Fans are often upset because they see it as a distraction When the team is struggling or in a crucial part of the season they want total focus on the pitch Public comments about contracts can feel selfcentered and out of touch with the collective struggle
Q Isnt Salah allowed to negotiate his contract or speak his mind
A Absolutely He has every right to secure his future and express himself The criticism isnt about the right to do it but the timing and perception of it Fans believe club matters especially during a season should be handled privately to maintain unity
Q Is this the first time something like this has happened
A No There have been previous moments during contract talks in 2022 where some fans felt his camps public statements added unnecessary pressure The phrase misjudged the mood resurfaces when similar situations occur
Q What is the mood that hes misjudging
A The mood is typically the collective sentiment of the fans which can be frustration after a loss anxiety during a trophy race a desire for the whole team first mentality or nostalgiaconcern during a period of team transition under a new manager
Q Could this hurt Salahs legacy at Liverpool
A For most fans his legendary onpitch achievements will forever define his legacy However these episodes can add a minor complicated footnote for some slightly tarnishing the perception of his relationship with the fanbase at the very end of his tenure
