Will Liverpool FC squander their chance at the Champions League in the final stretch of the Premier League season? The day after the 2-4 loss to Aston Villa, Mohamed Salah criticized the team’s current direction – and indirectly expressed a wish for the Reds to bring Jürgen Klopp back.
After three straight Premier League wins, Liverpool FC seems to be running out of steam in the final stretch. At the latest after the 2-4 loss at Aston Villa, alarm bells are ringing for the Reds. Mohamed Salah, a defining figure in Liverpool’s recent history, used the defeat as an opportunity to vent his frustration.
The Egyptian, who came on as a late substitute in the away loss, had a lot to say. “I’ve witnessed this club transform from doubters to believers and from believers to champions,” he began. “That took hard work, and I’ve always done everything in my power to help the club achieve that goal. Nothing makes me prouder than that.”
But he finds it hard to accept what’s been happening this season under manager Arne Slot. The defeat in Birmingham was “very painful” and truly “not what our fans deserve.” Above all, it was the manner of the loss that bothered Salah. He hopes that Liverpool can return to its former “heavy-metal football.” A clear reference to the successful era under Jürgen Klopp.
“That’s the kind of soccer I know how to play, and that’s the identity that needs to be restored and preserved forever,” Salah demanded, thereby voicing clear criticism of Slot’s style of play: “That’s non-negotiable, and anyone who comes to this club should adapt to it.”
“Not what Liverpool should be about”
The current record of just 17 wins from 37 Premier League games is unworthy of LFC. “Winning a few games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about,” Salah thundered. “All teams win games. Liverpool will always be a club that means a great deal to me and my family. I want it to remain successful long after I’m gone. As I’ve always said, qualifying for next season’s Champions League is the absolute minimum, and I’ll do everything I can to achieve that.”
Next weekend, in the penultimate matchday, Liverpool will face Brentford at home while keeping a worried eye on the standings, where Bournemouth could close the gap to one point and Brighton to three points this weekend.