Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard endorses Mohamed Salah’s decision to depart the club at the season’s end, stating the timing aligns perfectly after the winger’s public clash with manager Arne Slot. Salah, 33, confirmed his exit last week, concluding a remarkable nine-year stint at Anfield where he ranks as the Reds’ third-highest scorer with 255 goals.
Gerrard’s Direct Advice to Salah
Gerrard disclosed a candid conversation with Salah following the December fallout, urging him not to depart amid controversy. “Don’t do what you’ve done and go under a cloud,” Gerrard told him directly. He maintains occasional text contact with the Egyptian star, often to arrange meetings for his son Leo.
“I think it’s in everyone’s best interests. I think the timing is right in my opinion,” Gerrard stated. “Especially after the—he’s obviously had a disagreement with the manager. That told me there was an issue there.”
Contract Context and Club Dynamics
Gerrard noted Liverpool initially offered Salah a one-year extension but extended it to two due to his exceptional prior season. He views the shorter term as appropriate, emphasizing the move ends on Salah’s terms after his legacy-building years.
“You’ve been here for eight or nine years, you’ve come here and got this legacy. Just go on your terms the right way,” Gerrard advised.
Salah’s Form Dip and Manager’s Decisions
Salah has netted only five goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season, a departure from his prolific norm. Slot benched him during a winter slump, sparking Salah’s frustration after a 3-3 draw with Leeds at Elland Road before Christmas. Salah then accused the club of throwing him “under the bus” and claimed no relationship with the manager.
Gerrard empathizes with both perspectives, drawing from his playing days and managerial experience. “I’m not close to him, but it gave me the opportunity to say…” He recalls his own tensions with Brendan Rodgers late in his 17-year Anfield career.
Insights from Management
“I had a similar thing with Brendan,” Gerrard reflected. “Maybe you’re not the same player at 34 or 35. There’s no real way you should play every minute of every game just because you’re the captain.”
From his time at Rangers with Jermain Defoe, Gerrard understands players’ desires for constant starts. “As a manager, you have to do what’s right and what’s best for the team and if someone is out of form… you have to make big decisions.”
