Mohamed Salah has urged Liverpool to rediscover the fearless, high-intensity style that once made them one of Europe’s most feared teams after another damaging defeat left their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance.
The Egyptian forward, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season after nine glittering years, delivered a passionate message following Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to Aston Villa - a result that exposed the club’s ongoing struggles during a disappointing campaign.
Salah, 33, believes Liverpool have drifted away from the aggressive “heavy metal football” that defined the Jurgen Klopp era and says restoring that identity should be non-negotiable moving forward.
Liverpool’s defeat at Villa Park was their 19th of the season and intensified concerns among supporters about the team’s trajectory under head coach Arne Slot.
While the Reds remain in contention for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, fan frustration was evident as many away supporters left before full-time on Friday night.
Salah, who has scored 257 goals for Liverpool and helped the club win six major trophies, used social media to express his disappointment and make a pointed appeal for change.
“I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions,” Salah wrote.
“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.”
The winger added that Liverpool’s footballing identity must be restored permanently, insisting every new player arriving at the club should adapt to that philosophy.
Salah’s comments appeared to reference the high-energy style synonymous with Klopp’s reign - a relentless pressing approach the former manager famously described as “heavy metal football.”
By contrast, Slot’s first season in charge has been marked by inconsistency, despite Liverpool winning the Premier League title last year under the Dutchman.
Salah’s relationship with Slot has reportedly been strained for months.
In December, the forward admitted tensions had developed between the pair, and his latest comments will likely fuel further debate around Liverpool’s direction under the current manager.
Although Slot recently insisted he expects to remain at Anfield next season, pressure has continued to build after a trophyless campaign and a sharp drop in performances.
Salah’s message quickly gained traction among Liverpool players and former stars.
Curtis Jones and Hugo Ekitike publicly supported the post, while current squad members including Andrew Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong also reacted positively.
Former captain Jordan Henderson, along with Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold, also endorsed Salah’s comments online.
Robertson - who is also expected to leave Liverpool this summer - echoed the frustrations surrounding the club’s form.
“A performance which sums up our season,” the Scotland defender wrote on Instagram.
“A long way short of the levels of this club and what you rightly expect of us.”
Despite Liverpool’s struggles, Salah insists his focus remains on helping the club secure Champions League qualification before his departure.
“As I’ve always said, qualifying for next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen,” he said.
The forward’s numbers this season have dipped compared to previous campaigns, scoring 12 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Last year, he struck 29 league goals as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title in Slot’s debut season.
Liverpool now head into their final game against Brentford needing points to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Slot has acknowledged supporter frustration but believes Liverpool can improve significantly next season with a strong transfer window and better injury luck.
The Dutchman revealed the squad has been heavily affected by absences this season, claiming nine potential starters have regularly been unavailable.
“I think people underestimate what a new start and a transfer window can do,” Slot said.
“We know clearly where improvements are needed.”
The summer now looks set to define the next chapter at Anfield - one that Salah, despite preparing to leave, clearly feels strongly about.
