Mohamed Salah has voiced concerns about Liverpool FC’s future, warning of a potential leadership void as he prepares to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Egyptian forward, widely regarded as a central figure during his nine-year spell at Anfield, has indicated that maintaining standards could prove challenging without strong role models within the squad. His remarks come at a time when Liverpool are enduring a difficult campaign, marked by inconsistent performances and mounting scrutiny.
In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of a match against Manchester United, Salah reflected on his influence at the club and the standards he sought to establish.
“I remember when I first came here, no one trained before the official time, but I started working before and after training, and then the others started imitating me. I am proud that the new players saw (Mo) enter the building first and go to the gym, and things changed automatically. I love this place and I want these boys to succeed and continue on this path.”
He added: “I told the officials that the club needs a role model after I leave; people who come in early and commit, and if that doesn’t happen it will be difficult for the club because maintaining high standards is absolutely essential.”
Concerns over dressing room culture
Salah also spoke about the importance of a strong collective mentality in a separate interview with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports.
“In the last ten years, everyone had the same goal, and if you didn’t perform your role correctly, the rest would hold you very accountable. I sincerely hope that this doesn’t change with the departure of many players and the changing bonds within the team.”
His comments have resonated following a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, where Liverpool were criticised for a lack of cohesion and intensity, particularly in the opening stages. The performance has been seen by some observers as symptomatic of wider issues affecting the team this season.
Signs of transition at Anfield
The potential departure of Salah is not the only change facing Liverpool. Vice-captain Andy Robertson is also expected to leave, while uncertainty surrounds goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has reportedly attracted interest from Juventus. Meanwhile, captain Virgil van Dijk has just one year remaining on his contract.
These developments have contributed to a growing sense that the club may be approaching the end of a significant era. Questions are increasingly being asked about who will emerge as the next leaders within the squad and whether the current group can maintain the standards set in previous years.
Some criticism has also been directed at players’ professionalism, with suggestions that time away from training has affected performance levels. However, Van Dijk dismissed such concerns, defending his teammates’ approach.
“We are not children, everyone here is an adult. It’s not about holidays, it’s about finding the right balance. Pep Guardiola has given City players days off and they are performing well.”
Mounting pressure amid difficult season
Liverpool’s struggles have been compounded by a series of setbacks, including 18 defeats across the season. Increased scrutiny from supporters has followed, with even minor details—such as pre-match routines—coming under criticism.
Managerial strategies, including recovery-focused training methods, have also been questioned, particularly in light of an ongoing injury crisis. While such approaches had previously gone largely unnoticed during more successful periods, results have now brought them into sharper focus.
Midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai has attempted to step into a leadership role, though he is still seen as developing in that capacity.
Leadership question defines Liverpool’s next chapter
As Salah prepares to depart, Liverpool face a defining moment in their recent history.
His warning underscores a broader concern: sustaining a winning culture requires more than talent alone. Whether the club can identify new leaders capable of upholding those standards may determine how successfully they navigate the transition ahead.
