Gerrard urges Salah to stay at Liverpool and 'reverse away' from outburst
Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool legend, thinks the team still requires Mohamed Salah and encourages the forward to step back from a dramatic rant in which he claimed the struggling Premier League title holders had "thrown him under the bus".
The Egyptian star missed the trip to Italy for Tuesdays 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan after launching a fierce criticism at coach Arne Slot and the clubs leadership following his exclusion from the starting lineup in last weekends 3-3 stalemate against Leeds.
Ex Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher called Salahs words a "disgrace", yet Gerrard advised the forward and the staff to come together for the benefit of all at Anfield.
"He is clearly very frustrated about not featuring, and I understand that," Gerrard, the former Liverpool skipper, shared with TNT Sports.
"Some remarks regarding throwing folks under the bus were off the mark. He ought to pull back from that and sort it out with the coach."
Gerrard noted that clashes between squad members and the coaching team are not uncommon.
"I have witnessed this and experienced it myself with Luis Suarez during his disagreement with Brendan Rodgers in person. I have gone through it too. I issued comments like Salahs in 30 seconds versus Manchester United and ended up being red carded," he recounted.
"Nobody is flawless, and we players have all lost our cool at times, acting on impulse," stated Gerrard, who expects Salah to soon acknowledge his response was overly emotional and rushed.
Salahs statements triggered speculation that Liverpools third leading historical goalscorer might depart Anfield come January, even after inking a high value extension in April.
The 33 year old shared an image of himself working out solo in Liverpools gym on Tuesday.
Interest from Saudi Arabia has grown due to Salahs flare up, with an official from the Public Investment Fund telling AFP that the entity will pursue acquisition opportunities aggressively.
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Nevertheless, Gerrard commented: "Ultimately, Liverpool requires Mo Salah returning to top form and netting goals since he stands as the premier talent, the top marksman, and his contributions will aid in escaping this slump. Should this persist, it escalates beyond the obvious issues we perceive."
Slot, the Dutch manager, shifted attention to his current roster after Dominik Szoboszlais contentious late spot kick secured the full points for the six time European winners at the San Siro, declaring "those present earned every bit of praise".
Salah plans to head to the Africa Cup of Nations following next weekends home Premier League fixture versus Brighton.
Benched and unused at Leeds, Salah addressed journalists at Elland Road: "I have mentioned repeatedly that I enjoyed a solid rapport with the manager, yet abruptly that connection vanished.
"I am unsure of the reason, but it appears to me that certain individuals oppose my presence here."
Salah delivered his charged remarks amid a tough campaign for him and Liverpool alike.
He has been central to Liverpools pair of Premier League crowns and a Champions League success throughout his memorable tenure on Merseyside.
However, he has netted only four times across 13 Premier League outings this term, leaving Liverpool in 10th position.