Liverpool Legend Demands Action as Mohamed Salah Draws Explosive Luis Suarez Comparison
Steven Gerrard has called on Liverpool to resolve their dispute with Mohamed Salah after the striker's conflict with Arne Slot—a scenario that has brought back memories for the club legend of Luis Suárez's disagreement with Brendan Rodgers from previous seasons.
Salah delivered a scathing critique of Liverpool and head coach Slot following the Reds' dramatic 3–3 stalemate with Leeds United at Elland Road, during which the Egyptian remained on the substitutes' bench for the complete match after being excluded from the starting eleven for the prior two fixtures.
Following his accusation that Liverpool was "throwing him under the bus", Salah was left out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Inter, which the Premier League titleholders secured 1–0 through Dominik Szoboszlai's disputed late spot-kick.
Salah suggested a potential Liverpool departure during his comprehensive outburst as Saudi Pro League teams monitor the celebrated winger, though Reds icon Gerrard is anxious for him to remain at Anfield and regain his form.
Gerrard Keen to See Salah Dispute Resolved
"He's clearly very frustrated about not getting game time, which I understand," Gerrard shared with TNT Sports. "He refuses to accept being benched, which I respect. The comments about throwing people under the bus [are] inappropriate. He needs to step back from that position.
"He must address this directly with the manager. This requires Virgil van Dijk to step in and ask, 'How do we resolve this for the good of not just the club, or the squad, but the supporters?'"
Gerrard continued: "I've witnessed this scenario and experienced it firsthand. I went through it with [Luis] Suárez during his conflict with Brendan [Rodgers]. I've seen everything. I've been in similar situations personally. I made the same type of Salah statement in 30 seconds against [Manchester] United after my red card. Nobody's flawless.
"We've all lost our composure as players. We've all acted emotionally. And I'm confident that once this settles down, Mo will reflect, 'I shouldn't have expressed that, I perhaps shouldn't have said that, I was being emotional, I was too impulsive.'
"But ultimately, Liverpool football club requires Mo Salah, back in action, back finding the net, because he remains the finest player, the top goalscorer and he will assist them in overcoming this challenge. If this continues, this becomes more significant than what we all understand and witness."
Jürgen Klopp Provides Salah Perspective
No one comprehends the challenges of handling Salah better than Jürgen Klopp, who deployed the Liverpool superstar 349 times throughout his tenure in the Anfield technical area—the player he has fielded most frequently across his distinguished managerial journey.
The German has openly acknowledged that Salah presents management challenges, particularly when excluded from the lineup.
"He continuously evolved. He never ceases improving. That defines his mentality," Klopp shared with the BBC. "Following every summer interval he returned with enhanced abilities. It seemed as though he had dedicated the entire period to perfecting one specific type of delivery.
"We motivated each other, ensuring we would never become complacent. And we maintained that standard. That instance of raising the Premier League trophy connected us permanently. He will be recognized as among the all-time greats.
"I wouldn't describe him as simple to handle, but he's also not challenging to manage. You [only] encounter issues with Mo Salah when he's not featuring or you substitute him."