Gary Neville believes Mohamed Salah’s latest public comments have intensified an already difficult situation at Liverpool, claiming the departing forward has effectively “pulled the pin out of a grenade”.
The Egyptian forward reacted strongly after Liverpool’s damaging 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa, describing the result as “very painful” before appearing to reference a desire for a return to the aggressive, high-intensity style associated with Jurgen Klopp’s era.
Those remarks have inevitably attracted attention given Salah’s previously strained relationship with Arne Slot during parts of the campaign.
Liverpool’s defeat at Villa leaves the club facing increasing pressure in the battle for Champions League qualification, only one year after lifting the Premier League title.
Gary Neville believes Salah’s comments create fresh pressure
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville suggested Salah’s words carried particular significance because of the player delivering them.
“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 also suggested players with Salah’s status rarely remain silent when frustrations build.
“What you can never do with this kind of player, with this kind of stature and personality, is keep them quiet.”
The former Manchester United defender believes the timing makes the situation particularly uncomfortable for Slot as Liverpool attempt to navigate the closing weeks of a difficult campaign.
Salah and Slot relationship has repeatedly drawn attention
The latest comments are not the first signs of tension during the season.
Earlier in the campaign, Salah publicly expressed frustration after periods out of the starting line-up and suggested he had been “thrown under the bus” following selection decisions.
Having followed Liverpool closely throughout the season, the contrast between Klopp’s emotional environment and Slot’s more structured approach has occasionally appeared difficult for parts of the squad to navigate.
That does not automatically indicate a complete dressing-room breakdown, but public comments from influential players naturally attract greater scrutiny.
| Mohamed Salah (2025/26) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Seasons at Liverpool | 9 |
source: club competition data – 16 May 2026
Salah’s influence at Liverpool extends beyond performances alone, making his opinions difficult to dismiss internally.
Neville expects Liverpool to continue with Slot
Despite criticism surrounding Liverpool’s season, Neville suggested he still expects Slot to remain in charge moving forward.
“A manager who won the league 12 months ago deserves another chance to get it right.”
Neville also pointed toward Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso as an indication Liverpool are likely maintaining faith in their current manager.
From the closing weeks of Liverpool’s campaign, there has been a growing sense that major changes could arrive this summer regardless of who remains in charge.
Salah himself is already preparing for his departure, while squad adjustments and recruitment decisions are expected to shape the next phase of Liverpool’s rebuild.
Key Points
- Gary Neville criticised Mohamed Salah’s latest comments
- Salah appeared to reference Liverpool’s style under Jurgen Klopp
- Liverpool suffered a 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa
- Arne Slot has faced increasing pressure this season
- Neville expects Liverpool to continue with the Dutch manager
What’s next
Liverpool continue fighting for Champions League qualification during the final weeks of the season while planning significant summer changes.
Attention will also remain on Slot’s position and whether Liverpool can rebuild momentum following a difficult campaign.
Did Mohamed Salah speak uncomfortable truths or create unnecessary pressure for Liverpool?
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