Salah criticizes Liverpool’s collapse, urges a return to the “heavy metal” identity.

By Enitan Abdultawab

Liverpool F.C. striker Mohamed Salah has publicly criticized the club’s recent performance, calling for a return to the “heavy metal attacking” style that defined the team under former manager Jürgen Klopp. His comments followed a 4–2 defeat to Aston Villa, which marked Liverpool’s 12th league loss of the season and further jeopardised their Champions League qualification prospects.

In an Instagram statement issued on Saturday, Salah described the result as “painful” and “unacceptable for a club of Liverpool’s stature.” He urged the squad to reclaim the attacking identity that has historically made opponents wary.

“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,” Salah said.

He added that the club’s identity should be non‑negotiable and expected of every player who joins the team.

“I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions,” he said. “It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that.”

Salah continued: “It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it. Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games.”

He stressed that securing a spot in next season’s Champions League is the minimum standard for the club and pledged to help achieve it.

“Liverpool will always be a club that means a great deal to me and to my family. I want to see it succeed for long after I have moved on. As I’ve always said, qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen,” he said.

Salah also referenced earlier remarks in which he said he had been “thrown under the bus” after a draw earlier in the season, adding to speculation about tension within the squad and coaching setup.

Manager Arne Slot acknowledged his side struggled to cope with Aston Villa’s intensity and quality but expressed confidence that improvements would come in the next season.

“I can understand at this moment of time that they don’t have a lot of confidence or a lot of feeling that things can be much better next season,” Slot said. “But 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.”

He added that one of the issues he would have preferred not to discuss publicly was being forced to address it. Slot also highlighted injury problems and a lack of squad depth, noting that missing nine players who could start a game would inevitably affect performance.

Liverpool’s season has also been characterised by defensive weaknesses, with the team conceding 52 league goals—their worst total in a 38‑game Premier League campaign—and recording several unwanted statistical milestones.

The defeat leaves Liverpool with a tense finish to the season as they prepare for their final match against Brentford, with Champions League qualification still uncertain.

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