Gary Neville Blasts Mohamed Salah’s Social Media Post as Liverpool’s Champions League Future Hangs in Balance

Manchester United icon Gary Neville has added his voice to the growing criticism of Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian forward’s controversial social media post, which took aim at Liverpool’s recent performances and, according to reports, contained a veiled critique of manager Arne Slot’s tactical approach.

Salah, who is set to depart Liverpool at the end of the current season, used the post to call for a return to the “heavy metal” style of football associated with the Jurgen Klopp era — a pointed reference that has drawn widespread condemnation from pundits and former players alike.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville described the timing and content of Salah’s statement in blunt terms. “He’s pulled the pin out of a grenade right in the middle of the room. And he’s walking out of the room,” Neville said. “Mo’s not happy over there.”

The former England international made clear that such behaviour would not have been tolerated at Old Trafford. “It’s not great. If he was a Manchester United player, I’d be fuming,” Neville continued. “But what you can never do with this kind of player, with this kind of stature and personality, is keep them quiet. If they’ve got something to say, they’re going to say it. And they’re going to say it at the point where you don’t want to hear it.”

Neville also acknowledged the awkward position the outburst creates for Slot, adding: “That was a telling comment. Arne Slot will not welcome it whatsoever. But he will just want to get to the end of the season, get out of there, get everyone out of there that’s not going to be there next season, and try and build.”

The timing of Salah’s post is particularly sensitive. Liverpool’s aspirations of securing a Champions League berth for next season were severely dented following a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, leaving their qualification status uncertain as they head into the final matchday of the campaign.

Neville is not alone in his assessment. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has also condemned the outburst, stating it was “strange” and “unusual” behaviour that could negatively affect the dressing room atmosphere. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney went further, calling Salah “selfish” and urging Slot to drop the forward for what would be his farewell appearance at Anfield.

Salah joined Liverpool from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 for a then-club record fee and has since become one of the most decorated players in the club’s modern history, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his time at Anfield. His departure, should it be confirmed at the end of the season, would mark the end of one of the most productive individual tenures in English football in recent memory.

With the final matchday still to come, Liverpool’s coaching staff will be focused on securing a result that preserves their top-four finish — a task made no easier by the internal turbulence surrounding the club’s most high-profile departing figure.