Salah Outburst Stuns Liverpool as Gerrard Calls for Calm and Unity

Liverpool’s season took another dramatic turn after Mohamed Salah launched a blistering verbal attack on manager Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy, accusing them of “throwing him under the bus” following his benching in the 3-3 draw against Leeds. The fallout continued when the Egypt forward was left out of the squad for the Champions League trip to Inter Milan, where Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 win without him.

Steven Gerrard, one of Liverpool’s most iconic captains, stepped in with a firm but balanced plea for peace. Speaking to TNT Sports, he acknowledged Salah’s feelings but urged him to step back from the explosive remarks and rebuild bridges. “He’s obviously really upset he’s not playing, which I respect,” Gerrard said. “A couple of lines about throwing people under the bus, wrong. Need to reverse a little bit away from that, to deal with that with the manager.”

The situation has fueled speculation about Salah’s future just months after signing a major contract extension. Jamie Carragher went as far as calling Salah a “disgrace” for the comments, but Gerrard pushed for understanding rather than condemnation. His message was built on experience, recalling tense moments from his own playing days. “I’ve seen this and I’ve lived it with (Luis) Suarez when he fell out with Brendan (Rodgers) face to face. I’ve been there and done it myself. I did the Salah statements in 30 seconds against (Manchester) United and got sent off,” he explained. According to Gerrard, emotional flare-ups happen, and he hopes Salah will realize he was “a bit emotional and a bit hasty.”

The tension arrives during one of Liverpool’s most difficult campaigns in recent years. Salah himself has struggled, scoring only four goals in 13 Premier League matches as Liverpool sit tenth in the table. Despite this, he remains the club’s third-highest scorer of all time and a key figure in their two Premier League titles and Champions League triumph.

Why Is Salah’s Future Suddenly in Question?

Salah heightened uncertainty after telling reporters at Elland Road: “I said many times before that, I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.” His frustration was amplified by a photo he posted of himself training alone in the club’s weights room, signaling both commitment and isolation.

Interest has quickly emerged from Saudi Arabia, where a source linked to the Public Investment Fund told AFP the group will do “whatever it can” to sign Salah. Liverpool now face the possibility of dealing with transfer pressure on top of internal conflict.

Can Liverpool Stabilize Before Salah Leaves for AFCON?

With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching after next weekend’s home match against Brighton, Salah’s availability and mindset remain crucial concerns. Dutch manager Arne Slot attempted to shift attention back to the squad present in Milan, praising them after Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty secured victory. “The ones that are here, they deserve all the credits,” Slot said.

Gerrard, however, emphasized the bigger picture. “At the end of the day, Liverpool need Mo Salah back playing well, scoring goals because he is the best player, the best scorer, and he will help them get out of this. If this goes on, this is bigger than what we all know and what we see.”

The situation demands resolution fast. Liverpool need their star forward focused, healthy, and fully involved as they attempt to salvage a troubled season. Whether Salah chooses reconciliation or a January exit could define the club’s near future.

By Yockshard Enyendi