Arne Slot has reportedly been warned that he may never fully win the support of every Liverpool fan over the club’s handling of Mohamed Salah and his looming departure from Anfield, with pundits insisting the Dutch manager was left in an impossible situation.
The debate around Salah intensified after the Liverpool forward appeared to publicly question the direction of the club under Slot following a frustrating campaign. The Egyptian star, who has been one of Liverpool’s greatest modern icons, recently called for a return to the “heavy metal football” style associated with former manager Jürgen Klopp, comments many interpreted as a subtle criticism of Slot’s tactical approach.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is among those who believe Slot simply cannot come out of the situation looking good. According to reports, Carragher argued that “you almost can’t win in some ways,” suggesting the Liverpool head coach lacks the authority Klopp once possessed at the club. The argument is that if Slot had “more power,” he may have been able to stamp his authority on the dressing room more decisively and manage the Salah saga differently.
The situation has become increasingly tense in recent weeks as Liverpool’s disappointing form triggered questions about the club’s future direction. Slot, who enjoyed a remarkable first season by winning the Premier League title in 2024-25, has faced heavy scrutiny during a difficult second campaign marked by inconsistency, defensive issues, and dressing-room unrest.
Salah’s emotional messaging and visible frustration have only amplified the pressure. Reports suggest some players within the Liverpool dressing room are divided over the current direction under Slot, while pundits such as Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes have criticized Salah for making his frustrations public. Rooney reportedly branded the winger “selfish” and “disrespectful,” while Scholes claimed legendary former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson would never have tolerated such behavior.
Despite the criticism directed toward Salah, many Liverpool supporters remain sympathetic toward the forward given everything he has achieved at Anfield. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has become one of the club’s all-time greats, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and multiple individual awards.
That legacy is exactly why Slot’s position has become so delicate. If Liverpool fully backs the manager, some supporters may feel the club failed to honor one of its greatest-ever players. But if the club bends too much toward Salah’s influence, questions would emerge about Slot’s authority and long-term control over the squad.
Carragher’s warning reflects the difficult balancing act Liverpool now face. The former defender reportedly believes Slot was handed a no-win scenario: trying to lead the club into a new era while simultaneously managing the emotional exit of one of Liverpool’s most influential modern stars.
For now, Slot continues to insist he remains focused on rebuilding Liverpool and restoring confidence ahead of next season. The Dutchman has acknowledged supporters’ frustrations and admitted recent performances have been “damaging” to fan belief. However, he has also stressed that summer reinforcements and tactical adjustments can help Liverpool recover from their slump.
Whether Salah ultimately leaves on good terms or not, the episode could define the early years of Slot’s reign at Liverpool. Replacing Klopp was already considered one of the toughest jobs in football. Managing the final chapter of Salah’s Anfield story may prove even harder.
