Gerrard urges Salah to “leave as a king” amid Liverpool exit plans
Steven Gerrard has disclosed details of a private exchange with Mohamed Salah, advising the Liverpool forward to manage his departure from the club with dignity following tensions with head coach Arne Slott.
Salah is expected to bring his long and successful spell at Liverpool FC to a close at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of a period in which he established himself as one of the club’s most influential players and a leading figure in the Premier League.
The reported disagreement between Salah and Slott dates back to a match against Leeds United, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Salah publicly criticised the decision to leave him on the bench, a moment that appeared to signal growing frustration over his role in the team.
Speaking on the “Overlap” programme, Gerrard said he reached out to Salah during that period to offer guidance on how to handle the situation and his eventual exit.
“I spoke to him at the time and told him not to leave in this way and under a cloud. You have been here for eight or nine years, you were a king and you have a great legacy. Leave on your own terms as a king and in the right way.”
Gerrard added that communication between the two has continued since then, with occasional messages and phone calls maintaining their connection.
Emotional strain and reduced role
The former Liverpool captain suggested that Salah’s reaction at the time was influenced by the uncertainty surrounding his place in the team. The Egyptian forward experienced fluctuating involvement, at times starting matches and at others being left out or used as a substitute.
“He was affected and a bit emotional, sometimes he was a substitute and sometimes he was out of the lineup, and he was angry. I thought it was unfortunate that he left in January in this way.”
During that period, Salah was also omitted from a Champions League fixture against Inter Milan, further underlining the inconsistency in his selection. He later returned to the squad after completing his international duties at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gerrard reflects on both perspectives
Drawing on his own experience as both a player and coach, Gerrard acknowledged the complexities of the situation, noting that he could now understand the viewpoints of both the player and the manager.
“I understand both sides now. There is no law that forces the coach to include you in every match, even if you are the captain, but at that moment, it is difficult to accept as a player.”
His remarks highlight the delicate balance between managerial authority and player expectations, particularly when dealing with high-profile figures.
End of an era approaches
Salah is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, despite having one year remaining on his contract. The club has reportedly agreed to allow him to depart on a free transfer, effectively making him a free agent.
His exit will mark the end of a highly successful era, during which he became one of the most recognisable and productive players in the club’s history. Attention is now turning to his next destination, with widespread speculation surrounding the next chapter of his career.
Legacy and next steps
As Salah prepares for a new challenge, Gerrard’s advice underscores the importance of preserving a legacy built over nearly a decade. The manner of his departure, as much as his achievements on the pitch, is likely to shape how his time at Liverpool is remembered.
