Liverpool legend gives honest verdict on Mo saga

Gerrard offers candid view on ongoing Salah saga

Steven Gerrard has offered a forthright assessment of Mohamed Salah’s current situation at Liverpool, urging calm heads and decisive leadership as uncertainty lingers over the forward’s immediate future.

Speaking on TNT Sports, the former Liverpool captain gave a detailed reflection on the tension surrounding the Egyptian’s absence from the Inter Milan fixture at San Siro, where Arne Slot’s side secured three vital points through a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty. Salah, left out of the travelling squad, has become the centre of intense debate—and Gerrard believes the matter now needs careful management from within the dressing room.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles for possession with Ismael Saibari of PSV during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield on November 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. Photo by Rene Nijhuis SPO PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRenexNijhuis/MBxMediax

Salah’s frustration and Gerrard’s call for clarity

Gerrard was unequivocal about Salah’s emotional state, suggesting the forward’s reaction is understandable but must be channelled in the right direction.

“He’s obviously really upset he’s not playing, which I respect,” he said. “He won’t sit out the team, I respect that too.”

But Gerrard hinted concerns about how certain frustrations have been communicated.

He noted that comments perceived as publicly critical were “wrong” and require recalibration. “He needs to reverse a little bit away from that, he needs to deal with that with the manager,” he said, calling for a more constructive dialogue between Salah and Arne Slot.

Leadership needed to restore stability

In one of the most striking parts of his analysis, Gerrard stressed that senior figures in the dressing room must intervene, naming Virgil van Dijk as the natural leader to bring calm and unity.

“This needs Virgil van Dijk to go ‘I will sort this out’ for the benefit of not even so much the club or the team. It’s the fans.”

Gerrard drew on his own experience to underline the importance of level-headed guidance when tensions rise. He recalled past conflicts inside the Liverpool dressing room, including Luis Suárez’s heated interactions with Brendan Rodgers.

“I’ve seen this and I’ve lived it with Suarez when he fell out with Brendan face to face. I’ve seen it all. I’ve been there myself from a personal point of view… I did the Salah statements in 30 seconds against United and got sent off so no one’s perfect.”

His reflection broadened into a wider message: emotional reactions are part of football—but the aftermath must be handled wisely.

“We’ve all had head loss as players; we’ve all done emotional things. I know in time when this all calms, Mo will go ‘I shouldn’t have said that, I was a bit hasty’.”

Need for Salah’s return to form

Gerrard ultimately framed the issue through a footballing lens, emphasising that Liverpool’s priority is clear: Salah must be restored to the line-up and performing at his highest level.

“At the end of the day, Liverpool Football Club needs Mo Salah back playing well, back scoring goals because he is the best player, best scorer, and he will help them get out of this.”

Whether Salah returns immediately remains less certain. With Brighton visiting Anfield on Saturday and the Egyptian due to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations shortly after, the next few days could prove decisive.

The situation now stands at a delicate crossroads. Liverpool must balance discipline with pragmatism, emotion with professionalism, and the needs of the team with the importance of one of its most iconic players. As Gerrard’s reflections suggest, the outcome may well shape how Salah’s Liverpool story concludes.