Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah, has been under fire recently for his perceived "selfish" play. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has even suggested that Salah should be dropped from the squad for Liverpool's final match of the season against Brentford at Anfield.
Salah himself has expressed a desire for Liverpool to return to its roots as a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear." This comment came on the heels of a disappointing 4-2 defeat by Aston Villa, which cast doubt on their Champions League place.
Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah, said:
"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 Egyptian forward, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of this season, boasts an impressive record. Over nine years with the club, he scored 257 goals and helped secure six major trophies. Despite these achievements, Rooney believes it would be best if Salah were left out of Sunday's farewell game.
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United legend, said:
"I find it sad at the end of what he's done and what he's achieved at Liverpool. It's not the point for him to come out and aim another dig at Slot. He wants to play heavy metal football, so he's basically saying he wants Jurgen Klopp football. Now I don't think Mo Salah can cope with that type of football anymore. I think his legs have gone to play at that high tempo and high intensity.
"If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game. I had it with Alex Ferguson. I had a disagreement and fall out and at Alex Ferguson's last game at Old Trafford, he left me out of the squad for that reason. He's almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn't trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his teammates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well and put them into a position."
"I think Salah's trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he's had a very poor season. So I think he's been very selfish in what he's done in the two occasions. It's a shame and fans will be on his side, but I think when you look deeper into it and having been in a dressing room in a similar situation to that as well, Mo Salah knows exactly what he's doing. That's your manager. You can't publicly disrespect him twice the way he has and get away with it. And that's where if I was Arne Slot, I'd have to pull rank and just say, listen, you're not coming anywhere near the place on Saturday, whether you like it or not. I really doubt he will do it, but I think he should. Of course he deserves a good send off but does he deserve it just for this? It's the second time he's done it. it's just a shame to see one of the great icon of Premier League players leave the Premier League probably in this situation."
During his tenure at Anfield, Salah announced in March his decision to leave and revealed in December that his relationship with head coach Slot had deteriorated.
Record-breaking performances followed by decline
Salah’s performance during Slot’s first season was nothing short of spectacular. He won a record four Premier League Golden Boot awards and scored 29 times during the 2024-25 Premier League season when Reds clinched the title under Slot's leadership.
However, this term hasn't been as fruitful for him or Liverpool. The defending champions are currently fifth in Premier League standings - far below expectations - while Salah himself has found net only twelve times in forty games.
The debate over whether or not Mohamed Salah should play in Liverpool's final match is complex. On one hand lies respect for a player who contributed significantly towards the club's success. On the other hand, there is a need to prioritize team dynamics and performance over individual records. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts watch closely, only time will tell what decision Liverpool makes regarding Salah's participation in their season finale at Anfield.
