Mohamed Salah is set to play his final match for Liverpool at Anfield against Brentford on Sunday, with his summer exit from the club now confirmed. The Egyptian forward's departure brings an end to a storied tenure at the club, but the occasion is overshadowed by tension between the player and manager Arne Slot.
Carragher's warning to Slot
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Slot faces an impossible situation regarding Salah's send-off. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said the Dutch manager “cannot win” due to the conflicting demands of fan sentiment and the need for a result. Liverpool are fighting for Champions League qualification, and the match against Brentford is crucial. Carragher noted that any decision Slot makes about Salah's playing time will be scrutinised, whether he starts, is substituted, or remains on the bench.
Social media friction
The tension was heightened after Salah posted a message on social media that was widely interpreted as a subtle criticism of Slot. In the post, Salah advocated for Liverpool to return to a 'heavy metal attacking team' style, a direct reference to former manager Jürgen Klopp's philosophy. This is not the first public disagreement between the two. In December, Salah claimed he was 'thrown under the bus' by Slot after being benched for a match. Although a reconciliation was reported later, the relationship remained strained, and Salah's two-year contract extension was cut short in March.
What lies ahead
Slot now faces the delicate task of balancing the emotional farewell for a club legend with the imperative of securing a win. Carragher summed up the dilemma: “Arne Slot cannot win this one. If he plays Salah and he doesn't perform, people will say he should have rested him. If he benches him, fans will be furious. It's a no-win situation.” The match at Anfield promises to be an emotional and high-stakes affair as Liverpool bid farewell to one of their greatest ever players.
