Liverpool Slump Deepens as Salah Outburst Escalates Slot’s Problems

Liverpool’s difficult run continued after the chaotic match at Leeds, and the situation grew worse when Mohamed Salah publicly criticised Arne Slot and senior figures at the club. His post-match comments added new tension to a team already struggling with results, creating uncertainty about the future of one of the most iconic players in Anfield history.

Salah’s frustration surfaced just moments after Liverpool’s inability to protect leads of 2–0 and 3–2, a collapse that extended the team’s poor spell to four wins in their last fifteen matches across all competitions. The club now faces the possibility of a painful split with a player who has shaped much of its recent success. With 250 goals, surpassed only by Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, Salah has been central to Liverpool’s achievements, including last season’s title when he swept major individual awards, and Slot lifted the league in his debut year.

The relationship has since deteriorated. Salah, benched for the last three matches, did not hold back after the defeat. “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he said. His form has dipped significantly this season with just five goals in nineteen appearances, attracting heavy media criticism for his defensive work rate. Even so, Slot had continued to trust him until recently. Now the tension places both the player and the manager under intense scrutiny.

Salah is set to leave temporarily for the Africa Cup of Nations after the upcoming fixtures against Inter Milan and Brighton. Yet his comments raised questions about whether his departure may become permanent. “I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now,” Salah said. “I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

Why Are Liverpool’s On-Field Problems Escalating?

Slot has struggled to stabilise the team during a period marked by defensive lapses and loss of confidence. The collapse at Leeds highlighted recurring issues, particularly the decision-making at the back. Ibrahima Konate’s unnecessary challenge on Willy Gnonto, which conceded a penalty while Liverpool held a 2–0 lead, became a major turning point. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was blunt in his assessment: “Konate’s decision for the penalty was just unbelievable.” Moments later, Leeds capitalised on the momentum, equalising through Anton Stach. Although Dominik Szoboszlai briefly restored the lead, Liverpool conceded again when Ao Tanaka finished from a corner in stoppage time.

Slot recognised the pattern, admitting that the late goals and set-piece failures were not new problems. But his struggle to provide solutions has intensified pressure on his tenure. With the team dropping to eighth place, their hopes of defending the title have effectively evaporated before Christmas.

Could Salah’s Rift with Slot Signal a Larger Turning Point?

A public dispute with a club legend has arrived at the worst possible moment for the manager, whose early goodwill after winning the league has faded. Supporters are frustrated by the results, the tactical inconsistencies, and the sense that the team lacks resilience. Salah’s uncertain future now overshadows an already turbulent season, raising questions about what 2026 will look like for both the manager and his star forward.

As Liverpool prepare for pivotal fixtures, the club faces critical decisions on leadership, strategy, and the direction of the squad. The next steps will determine whether this slump becomes a temporary setback or the start of a deeper transition at Anfield.

By Yockshard Enyendi