Mohamed Salah has called on Liverpool to return to the “heavy metal” style associated with former manager, Jurgen Klopp, after the club’s latest defeat left their Champions League hopes uncertain.
Liverpool’s 4-2 loss to Aston Villa on Friday marked their 19th defeat of the season and increased pressure on head coach Arne Slot, whose side are still battling to secure a top-five finish and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Salah, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield, used social media to reflect on the club’s struggles and urge a return to the identity established during Klopp’s reign.
“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,” Salah said.
“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.
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“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.”
The phrase “heavy metal football” became strongly linked with Klopp’s Liverpool side because of their aggressive pressing, fast attacking transitions and high-intensity style that helped deliver major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Salah’s comments appeared to question the direction of the team under Slot, who replaced Klopp in 2024.
The Egyptian forward had earlier revealed in December that his relationship with Slot had broken down during the campaign.
Slot, however, insisted this week that he has “every reason to believe” he will remain Liverpool manager next season, despite mounting criticism from supporters after a disappointing campaign.
The Dutchman admitted improvements are needed and pointed to injuries and squad limitations as major factors behind the club’s struggles.
“I think then they are underestimating what a window can do, what a new start can do, and I think we know quite well what to improve,” Slot said.
“I think one of the things we have to improve is also very, very, very obvious, and I would have preferred not to talk about it here, but you’re actually almost forcing me to.
“If you miss nine players that can start a game of football, and almost all of them are starters for us or have been for large part of the season, then if you add that to what you can improve in a window and add that to players that are playing for the second season in the Premier League, that will automatically lead to much more.”
Salah scored 29 league goals last season as Liverpool won the Premier League title in Slot’s first year in charge, but the winger has managed 12 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, ahead of his final match against Brentford next Sunday.
The 33-year-old leaves Anfield as one of Liverpool’s most successful players, having scored 257 goals and won six major trophies during his time at the club.
