Liverpool Discussion posts 5

12 Dec 2025 17:29:52
Disgusting Salahs treatment for expressing a want to play and that the club want rid of him whereas your start a bloke like Isak who literally goes on strike and refuses to play if he gets his knickers in a knot.

12 Dec 2025 19:59:08
I'm sorry your crush was playing so badly he got dropped.
What has Isak going on strike at Newcastle got to do with Liverpool?

12 Dec 2025 20:09:27
Um, he’s in the squad for tomorrow? Not sure where you feel the club has let him down here? Should they be wheeling him out on a throne ahead of each game, paying him even more, or just guaranteeing that he can never be dropped or even subbed?
First time he has been on the bench in 8 years, and he responds after just 1 week by throwing so much muck at the team, club and manager.


As Virgil pointed out: yes, he’s helped players like Virgil a lot, but they have also helped him.
I think we can all agree that Mo is a legend, but there is no disguising the fact that his behaviour this past week has been disgraceful.

13 Dec 2025 11:34:26
Bang on Monster. I'm currently on coach on way to game and everyone on board shares the same view as you. A few of the lads were in Milan and they've said that every players song was sang on the night, other than Salah. Read into that what you will. And that included players who weren't playing.

12 Dec 2025 08:19:18
Was that Mo meeting with Hendo in London a recent get together, like this week? Interesting if it was this week, wonder is he picking Hendo's brain on a move to Saudi or asking how to make amends for his faux pas with the press?

12 Dec 2025 11:29:46
Probably both, I would imagine. Sounds like time has given both sides the opportunity to reflect, based upon Arne's comments. Let's hope for a positive outcome, whatever the longer-term plans are.

12 Dec 2025 12:51:47
Forgive me for being a bit cynical on this but if Salah wants a chat in private with Hendo wouldn’t he just go round to his house?

Or is it better for the optics if you make sure you are pictured with Hendo having a serious talk in an Italian restaurant ?.

12 Dec 2025 14:23:56
A couple of mates going for a meal.

12 Dec 2025 16:05:41
Initially I backed Salah maybe swayed by the fact that I don’t really enjoy slot football and Salahs legendary status however I’m starting to get the ick off this saga and don’t think Mo is handling himself well at all. Posting on insta the same day as we play inter when he never posts there is such a distraction and aimed at garnering further publicity, this Hendo meet up stinks of the same, as many have mentioned they could have had a call, met somewhere discreetly etc but this (if verified) stinks of gamesmanship and I’m not a fan.

This isint a get Salah out post this is a cop on and be professional!

12 Dec 2025 17:14:26
To be fair, they both apparently went in/ out of the place wearing face masks and hats - so I don’t think Mo was aiming to be spotted.
Given his instagram post, I do think he could have found the energy to follow it up with one congratulating the team on their victory.


I imagine Hendo would be saying to him don’t make the same mistake I made: don’t stomp out of the club for emotional reasons when you can no longer be guaranteed to start every game.
Though, of course, he could have just been talking to him about Love Island……,

13 Dec 2025 13:26:15
I’m with Ernie, 2 mates going for a scran.

10 Dec 2025 18:25:43
A few questions for Ed001 about Salah please.

How has Mohamed Salah’s playing style evolved from his early professional years at Arab Contractors, through his developmental period at Basel and his challenging stint at Chelsea, to becoming one of the most prolific attackers in the world at Liverpool—particularly in terms of tactical intelligence, positional movement, finishing efficiency, pressing responsibilities, and leadership on and off the pitch?

To what extent has Mohamed Salah shaped Liverpool’s tactical identity under Jürgen Klopp, and how have his attributes—such as his inside-forward role, diagonal runs, one-versus-one threat, counter-pressing, and partnerships with players like Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and later Darwin Núñez—contributed to the club’s success in the Premier League, Champions League, and global competitions?

How has Mohamed Salah demonstrated psychological resilience throughout his career, particularly considering the setbacks of limited playtime at Chelsea, the high-pressure expectations of being Egypt’s talisman, and the burden of consistently performing at an elite level for Liverpool, and what does this reveal about his mental preparation, motivation, and personal discipline?

What is the broader socio-cultural significance of Mohamed Salah in Egypt and the Middle East, and how has his global success affected national identity, youth development in Egyptian football, political symbolism, community morale, and the international perception of Egyptian athletes?

How has Mohamed Salah’s image been leveraged in global sports marketing—across sponsorships, branding, social media presence, and public relations—and what does his worldwide popularity reveal about modern athlete branding, cross-cultural appeal, and the commercial influence of football in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia?

How has Mohamed Salah managed to maintain elite performance levels well into his early 30s?

TÍA. Great work!

{Ed001's Note - sorry it has taken a while to get round to answering this.

1. I have only seen Salah play a handful of times in total before we signed him, so I don't know what he changed, sorry. Great question though, the kind of thing I would love to, if I had time, do an article or pod about after researching it.

2. His play has made a major difference to the way we played. Prior to his arrival, it was mostly Coutinho on the left and Mane right, which meant we only had one threat for running in behind. His pace changed that completely and forced teams to defend wide, covering him and Mane, leaving space centrally for Firmino to operate in. The emergence of Alexander-Arnold changed things further, as every team needed to drop a few yards deeper as soon as we got the ball, fearing his ability to play in Salah from pretty much anywhere. The change from Firmino to Nunez brought another slight alteration, as Nunez could run in behind from the centre, which caused defences to narrow off and drop slightly deeper - they were afraid to let either run in behind. We have seen how much losing Trent's ability to put the ball on a sixpence has affected us, but no one has mentioned how the loss of Nunez has allowed teams a bit more freedom to defend wider. Both Ekitike and Isak like to drift wide, Gakpo rarely runs in behind, so suddenly they can shift over slightly to shut Salah down.

3. Salah's focus is incredible, he has dedicated himself to improvement, not just on the training pitch, but also away from it he will still be working on things to improve his game - from work in the gym to meditation. It is that constant focus on improvement that has allowed him to cope with the pressure. He is not thinking about it because he is so focused on what he is doing.

4. I don't know about in Egypt itself, but I do know here in Dubai you cannot go anywhere without his image everywhere. Wear a Liverpool shirt and you are constantly stopped by locals and Egyptians wanting to talk about Salah. He is all over the TV on every ad break as well. He is about as big a star as you can get out here.

5. To be honest, because of his focus on his game, his brand has not been leveraged as much as it could be. Also, there are political issues that have affected him, due to the problems in Egypt with it being back under a military dictatorship. He has to be very careful, as any misstep which upsets the regime can lead to repercussions for his family.

6. Simple - hard work. He goes above and beyond, constantly thinking about his lifestyle, diet, recovery and exercise regime. Most players go home and play video games or go out on the lash or whatever, very few have his complete focus on making himself the best he possibly can be.}

11 Dec 2025 20:05:12
Much appreciated. You’re great at what you do.

{Ed001's Note - wow, thank you, now I am not sure if you are at the wind up or not! Not even my missus says I am great at what I do.}

11 Dec 2025 20:20:43
I mean that sincerely. Your opinions are always well written and thought out. I truly enjoy your work.

{Ed001's Note - thank you so much, I really appreciate that mate.}

11 Dec 2025 22:06:14
Great write up Ed01. I am always amazed why more players don’t take a lesson from the likes of Salah and CR7 and look after themselves properly, do extra work on their game, etc.

{Ed001's Note - Haaland is another.}

11 Dec 2025 23:06:40
Ed001, he's right, you are great at what you do along with the other Eds.

{Ed001's Note - you ruined my moment by including the other eds! ?

12 Dec 2025 00:05:33
You fell for that one, Ed1 - I think he was winding you up mate ;) lol. Only messing, mate. A great read!

{Ed001's Note - ?

12 Dec 2025 10:07:41
This is exactly why I love this site. Where else would you get either the query or answer Excellent ED01. And Saul too! Thanks to both! ?️.

12 Dec 2025 18:20:45
Superb question and answer that. Special site, with special eds.

{Ed001's Note - the questions were excellent.}

11 Dec 2025 18:25:03
Not sure what the plan is with Semenyo. How are we supposed to fit both Isak and Ekitike into this team? Surely the priority should be solidifying the diamond.
Do we go back to a 4-3-3 and put Ekitike on the bench? It’s hard to believe this is the long-term plan.

11 Dec 2025 19:10:46
And as Ed001 has said several times, if one of our only two strikers gets injured, then what?

11 Dec 2025 19:14:24
Literally just a front three. Ekitike, Isak and Semenyo. I’d have Salah in there right now if he hadn’t fallen out with Slot. Don’t get why he keeps playing Gakpo.

11 Dec 2025 19:47:33
Diamond will be gone once we have wingers available for selection.

11 Dec 2025 20:08:29
My dream would be. Ali - Bradley, Guehi, VVD, Kerkez/ Robbo - Anderson - Grav, Szobo - Wirtz - Semenyo, Ekitike/ isak.

11 Dec 2025 17:25:43
Is the Semenyo deal still going ahead regardless of what's happening to the manager or will it change if the new manager comes in.

11 Dec 2025 13:42:55
Can any journalists or anyone ask Slot what did he see in Gakpo and Gravenberch?

Two players that need to be dropped ASAP! they contribute absolutely NOTHING! Totally a passenger in the team.

At this point Slot really not helping himself. the obsession in playing the same underperforming player is really strange. Honestly I can't see Slot overturned the team performance. simply a lot of questionable decisions and tactics

Slot is making it easier for FSG to sack him. and when that time arrive, Slot only have himself to blame.

11 Dec 2025 13:50:22
Thought Grav was very good the other night personally.

11 Dec 2025 14:00:20
Gravenberch is a very good player, like many of the squad he's underperforming this season, his only real backup is Endo, someone Slot evidently doesn't trust. Slots repeatedly shown unwarranted favouritism. A really poor trait for a manager to have. Whilst I can somewhat understand his want for Grav to come good after the season he had last year I have no time for Gakpo.

He's 6'3" and brutal in the air. He goes down like a house of cards in a breeze. He's not talented enough to be as greedy as he is and is majorly lacking in situational awareness. I know he's done well for us at times and I appreciate that but he's just not my kind of player. Would love to see Semenyo come in on the left and Olise on the right in the summer, would be the dream for me.

11 Dec 2025 14:32:42
I think Grav is doing just fine - could he be better? of course, we've seen it but we can say that for every other player in the team, singling out these two makes no sense to me.

On Slot, I agree.

11 Dec 2025 14:34:41
Nobody liked my comments about Gakpo being a midtable player in the summer when it was Lucho we were losing. He's a nice lad. Tries hard. Great ball strike. Doesn't seem to be able to play with his team mates at all - which is surprising for a Dutch player playing for a Dutch coach!

As for Gravy - well, his limitations are in his passing range and tempo control. He has all the physical attributes to be a worldie. I do think he's too nice and prone to concentration lapses. I think he can improve but needs to develop a nasty streak and a bit more of a feel for the game state if he's going to have a long Liverpool career.

11 Dec 2025 17:09:13
Oh dear even Gravenberch is getting it now.

11 Dec 2025 20:03:53
Are we talking about last year's second top scorer and joint fourth assist maker Gakpo? This seasons second top scorer and top assister Gakpo?
Come on, I know he's not setting the world alight but he has pretty consistent output. Most wanted Jota gone because he wasn't the best all round players but everyone knew he could finish.

Now everyone acts like he was the best thing since sliced bread. Don't wish away our players, we could do much worse than Cody.
Grav is playing a general midfield role in an underperforming team. He'll be fine.

11 Dec 2025 10:56:09
Ive heard some rumblings that Alonso will be manager after Xmas, and also that Steven gerrard has been give the chance for a coaching role, whether that means assistant manager im nkt sure? But the club want to pull everyone back together, especially the fans. Who knows.

11 Dec 2025 12:47:49
Carra vs VictorGoddamn vs RobboLFC

ROUND 1 - Ding Ding.

????

This is like a triple threat match in WWE.
Shortly we'll have interruptions from TheFields, Ned, Ed1, Ed25, etc coming in with steel chairs and tables

Should move these updates to the WWE pages ??.

11 Dec 2025 13:18:04
It'll nd up a Royal Rumble the amount of ITK's on here.

11 Dec 2025 13:55:44
I'm sitting on the fence for this one and getting the popcorn out ?.

11 Dec 2025 14:34:34
Join the IKFA's, thefields.

11 Dec 2025 15:54:07
Going by the record till now, Carra is the undisputed heavyweight champion, Thefields is the Intercontinental champion, and Maybe VG is the Cruserweight champion. But there's always scope for a surprise!

11 Dec 2025 17:11:18
A lot like the WWE for me, not a bit of it is real.

11 Dec 2025 18:40:46
Call him out Salah! ??????.

11 Dec 2025 08:08:39
So let me get this right. Our manager has been told he's not seeing out his contract and is kicking the can down the road until we find his replacement. The top of the list is Alonso who for me won't be getting sacked anytime soon. We have apparently interviewed Fabregas and think highly of Iraola and Glasner.

Imo the last four games have shown change. Let's see how it goes. Minimum must be champions league qualification. If we manage to bring in Guehi and Semenyo that will drastically improve us and give slot no excuses. Brighton and Spurs up next two must win games and we could be back in the top 4.

11 Dec 2025 08:14:00
I personally don't believe Slot has been told that. For me if that was the case it would be better to just end things now as the dressing room would become a circus.

11 Dec 2025 10:39:48
Just spent 450 million and top 4 is acceptable? Now you say we should spend another almost 100 million so we can see if he gets us top 4. Sorry but the man is clueless and needs replacing. He has done enough damage with Salah and the way the team is playing.

{Ed025's Note - why are you blaming Slot for the Salah situation?..

11 Dec 2025 12:21:30
Yes, top 4 is acceptable from where we are now. He's also the man that won the Premier League having made a profit in the summer window Whatsup but sure why would ye mention that?

11 Dec 2025 13:35:36
He didn’t spend £450m Whatsup it was actually more like £250m net spend. that's not counting also losing Trent and Jota (RIP) for nothing.

So if you deduct relative transfer fees for those 2 at say 70m and 40m then he lost about £310m worth of talent from the squad.

My point is if you’re going to judge success on the transfer values of players who have come in then you should also judge it on the transfer value of the players who have gone out.

I’m not a Slot sympathiser but you are just totally wrong in what you said. Also he was absolutely right to drop Salah. It’s Salah’s ego that has caused the problems not Slot.

11 Dec 2025 13:46:53
Why wasn't gakpo Dropped? Why hasn't Chiesa been given a fair shot. It's obvious slot has his favourites. Salah hasn't become a bad player over night. It's slots poor tactics and bringing in semenyo won't make any difference because slots tactics are crap.

As for the money end of it. Any manager who has spent that amount should be expected to win the league never mind getting top 4.

11 Dec 2025 14:41:03
I've worked in contract roles for overv25 years and more than once I've been told my contract was either not being renewed or was being cut short because a candidate who suited the companies long term idea/ policy/ goal has become available or has applied for a position. I've never thrown a strop even when I've had to do a 3 month or longer hand over and write a procedure so the new person can get up to speed.

This is a regular occurrence in my line of work, I've done this in Europe, US etc. I spent the intervening time looking for my next move while still putting in 100% because not doing so could impact future employment for me.

11 Dec 2025 16:03:00
I think this Slot and Salah episode could be the kick up the backside they both needed as both have not been performing to their very best and this could be the cataylist that brings on a change on the pitch and behind the scenes for both.

The club has been dragged through the mud over the last few days which is not a good look which FSG who will not be happy and I would expect Mr Edwards and Mr Hughes be brought to task for allowing the situation to escalate also Salah given a warning about his behaviour and Arne Slott will be brought to task about how the team are under performing .


So let's hope everything can be sorted out and we get back to winning games and trophies. YNWA.

11 Dec 2025 18:08:10
I'd have to disagree. We're not balancing the books here. We're talking about how much was spent to bring talent in, about the value of the players purchased. £450m worth of players is £450m, their value doesn't change due to outgoings.

11 Dec 2025 07:07:15
Surely now is opportune time to hear from the scousewifes? Has any heard anything from them, are there any insights into the camp?

10 Dec 2025 22:25:58
Madrid lose again, Alonso out? If so how many would want him here or do with stick with Slotty?

11 Dec 2025 00:07:07
I'd have Alonso over Slot every single day of the week.

11 Dec 2025 08:17:07
Can i ask why Salah?

11 Dec 2025 10:22:11
Plays better football, experienced and succeeded in Germany which is better than the Eredevise, Liverpool legend, understands the club, fans and the City. Struggling with egos perhaps but not tactics and philosophy like Slot clearly is. Got a tune out of Frimpong and Wirtz, Slot has made them look rubbish and same for Isak.

11 Dec 2025 10:27:25
Personally though, I'd rather have Nagelsmann or Iraola.

11 Dec 2025 10:43:00
FM for me, purely because of what he did in Germany and his connection to the club. There’s no guarantee he comes here and succeeds, but that’s true of any manager. The way I see it, he can’t do any worse than Slot, surely? Or have us playing any worse.

Slot looks completely lost right now and has no idea how to turn it around. We need a change, and I genuinely believe Alonso would do a better job. But at this point, it’s all guesswork.

11 Dec 2025 10:53:10
Bang on, Salah.

11 Dec 2025 12:29:49
Germanys better than the Eredivisie but not La Liga or certainly not the Premier League. Frimpongs been injured since he came and Wirtz is starting to look the part. Alonso is struggling with EVERYTHING Trqstu.

that's fair enough Salah but Alonso ALSO looks completely lost right now with no idea to turn it around. You genuinely believe Alonso would do a better job yet admit its guesswork.

11 Dec 2025 13:28:07
Of course it's guesswork, FM. I do think he'd do a better job but nobody knows it. Same as any manager, it's all guesswork right now. All I do know is, it's going to take a lot for an incoming manager to be worse than Slot right now.

11 Dec 2025 13:55:27
Fair enough Salah i get that, results have been terrible. But i do believe results are slowly turning around and Slot has earned the chance to try get us out of this.

12 Dec 2025 19:23:41
But the football hasn't got any better FM, it's woeful at times. Tactics are wrong, coaching is wrong. We have a squad on paper capable of destroying this league, but under slot we are in serious danger of destroying everything klopp created.

If it was just the results and we played really well, then fine give slot more time, but it's far from it. I'd take alonso or iraola tomorrow also.

10 Dec 2025 21:36:15
At this rate Alonso could be our new manager ?.

11 Dec 2025 01:09:39
We could be as crap as Madrid ?.

11 Dec 2025 03:24:58
As crap as Real Madrid is still better than the crap we are serving up now though ;)

But in all honesty, I've never seen players down tools as hard as the RM players. I thought the United players were bad but RM is on a whole other level.

11 Dec 2025 05:06:46
As crap as RM.

Please do explain that statement.

11 Dec 2025 10:41:48
Like we're not worse than Madrid.

11 Dec 2025 12:30:49
Have our players downed tools so?

10 Dec 2025 14:08:17
Not sure if this has been discussed and I’m not saying we should or shouldn’t but is the jota song a good idea?
It is sung for good reason and well intentioned. From a fan perspective is the right thing to do.

My concern is however, how do the players react to it.
For us he’s a hero but we have no personal bonds with him.
If one of your closest mates died would you want reminding of it twice a week? Especially during 90 minutes of a working week when they need to be at their peak and fully concentrated.

I get that it’s well intentioned but I fear it may be harsh on the players. It’s not as if they could come out and ask fans to stop singing his name. It would not be a good look regardless of how well they explain their reasons for the request.

10 Dec 2025 16:49:58
They're professional footballers so they shouldn't be paying any attention what fans are singing and concentrating on the game. Plus it's slot awful tactics that are the reason they are so bad.

10 Dec 2025 16:30:32
They have a spot for him in the changing room, they are reminded of him before every game and at half time. I'm not sure the song makes much difference.

10 Dec 2025 17:15:57
Hard to say how they feel, I would see it as a celebration of his life rather than something that would leave a lump in the throat at 20mins every game.
Is it the same as hearing a song on the radio that reminds you of a friend or relative that's passed away? Hard to say.