Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah ‘lost’ as struggling star told he’s ‘about to get dropped’

Liverpool’s season has suddenly turned into a storm. A team that began the campaign flying high, full of belief and goals, now finds itself lost in confusion, frustration, and growing criticism. And at the centre of it all is Mohamed Salah — the Egyptian king who once carried Liverpool on his back, now standing under the harsh light of doubt, his confidence fading with every missed chance.

Arne Slot’s first months as Liverpool manager were full of excitement. His side looked sharp, disciplined, and united. The Reds began their title defence with seven straight wins, playing the kind of football that reminded fans of the glory days under Jurgen Klopp. But football, as always, is a game of thin margins. One defeat can break rhythm, one mistake can change everything, and one bad week can turn dreams into questions. That is what happened to Liverpool.

It all began at Selhurst Park. Against Crystal Palace, Liverpool were expected to continue their winning run. But football doesn’t follow the script. Palace fought like lions, and when the final whistle blew, the Reds walked off in silence after Eddie Nketiah’s last-gasp winner. A 2-1 defeat might not sound disastrous, but it planted a seed of doubt in the players’ minds. The next blow came in Istanbul, where Galatasaray outworked them, pressing with intensity and beating Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League.

Slot’s men returned home desperate to respond, but Stamford Bridge brought more pain. Chelsea, a club still finding its identity, took advantage of Liverpool’s uncertainty. Estevao’s injury-time goal sealed another 2-1 defeat — their third consecutive loss across all competitions. For a manager like Arne Slot, who had never experienced three defeats in a row in his entire managerial career, this was new territory. The Dutchman found himself under pressure for the first time since taking over at Anfield.

But the criticism didn’t stop with him. It quickly shifted toward Liverpool’s biggest star, Mohamed Salah.

Salah, who has built a reputation as one of the most consistent forwards in world football, suddenly looked like a shadow of himself. His touches were heavy, his dribbles hesitant, and his movements uncertain. In ten games this season, he has scored just three goals, with only one coming from open play — a far cry from the explosive numbers fans are used to. The Egyptian, once feared by defenders across Europe, now looked human.

Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend, did not hold back when discussing Salah’s recent form. Speaking on his show, *The Wayne Rooney Show*, the former England captain delivered a brutal verdict on the Liverpool winger. “I think top players have a bit of an ego,” Rooney began, his tone sharp. “And Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time. But I would question his work ethic lately. He’s not getting back to help his team, especially against Chelsea. His full-back was getting torn apart, and Salah just stood there watching. That’s a worry.”

For Rooney, Salah’s brilliance in attack doesn’t excuse his lack of defensive contribution. “When you’re scoring goals and winning games, everyone lets it go,” Rooney continued. “But when things are going wrong, that’s when your true character shows. I think over the last week, Salah has looked lost.”

Rooney’s words hit hard. Coming from a rival legend, they sparked debate across social media and talk shows. Some fans agreed that Salah has not been himself lately — less explosive, less creative, more frustrated. Others defended him, pointing out that even in a slump, Salah’s influence on Liverpool remains massive. Yet, the truth is, something seems off

Those close to the Liverpool dressing room say Salah was visibly disappointed when the team collapsed against Chelsea. His body language said everything — the deep sighs, the quiet walk back to the centre circle, the look of disbelief in his eyes. For a player known for his relentless mentality, that visible frustration was unusual.

Behind the scenes, sources say Arne Slot has spoken to Salah privately, encouraging him to rediscover his spark, to lead again like he always does. But Slot is also firm — no one, not even Salah, is above criticism. The Dutchman wants total work rate from every player, and that includes his Egyptian star.

It isn’t just Salah facing the microscope. Liverpool’s entire squad looks drained. They spent heavily during the summer — over £450 million — bringing in fresh faces to strengthen every department. Yet, the team still feels unbalanced. Injuries, tactical adjustments, and poor form have disrupted the rhythm. And in defence, the problems are even clearer.

The right-back position, for instance, has become a headache. Jeremie Frimpong, the summer signing expected to bring pace and energy, has struggled for fitness. Conor Bradley, the young Northern Irishman who was brilliant last season, has not been the same player since his return from injury. His confidence seems shaken. Against Chelsea, he looked nervous and uncertain. Facing Alejandro Garnacho and Marc Cucurella, Bradley was booked early and constantly exposed. Slot had no choice but to substitute him to avoid a red card.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino was among those unimpressed by Liverpool’s recent performances. Speaking on talkSPORT, he pointed out that several key players are nowhere near their best. “When you look at Liverpool’s performances,” Cascarino said, “there are a lot of players not performing to last season’s levels. They are missing Mac Allister and Salah playing well — those two are vital to how Liverpool play. Konate too. He’s not playing anywhere near as well as last year.”

Cascarino also commented on Bradley’s struggles. “Conor Bradley can become a really good player,” he said. “He’s got the speed, tenacity, and passion, but right now he’s reckless. He’s trying too hard to prove himself, and it’s costing him. But Liverpool need to be patient with him.”

The problems extend to the left side as well. Milos Kerkez, the 21-year-old full-back who joined from Bournemouth, was meant to be the long-term successor to Andy Robertson. Slot has given him opportunities, starting him ahead of Robertson in recent matches. But Kerkez has been far from convincing. His decision-making has been poor, and his confidence looks fragile.

ESPN pundit Craig Burley summed it up harshly: “Kerkez looks lost. He’s lost confidence, and his form has dropped. I think he’s about to be dropped for Andy Robertson. The whole backline is not working right now.”

For Liverpool fans, this is a strange feeling. Under Klopp, the team was known for intensity, passion, and unity. Even when results dipped, the energy and belief never disappeared. Under Slot, there’s a sense that the team is still adjusting — still trying to understand the new system, the new expectations, and the new way of playing. Slot’s style demands high pressing, fluid rotation, and intelligent positioning. It’s complex, and while some players have adapted quickly, others are struggling.

For Salah, it’s more than just form. It’s about identity. For years, he has been Liverpool’s symbol of excellence — the face of their revival, their goals, their trophies. Every time the team needed a saviour, Salah delivered. But now, the question being whispered in corners of Anfield is: can he still do it? Can he still be the man who drags Liverpool through tough times?

Wayne Rooney’s comments may sting, but they also reflect a wider perception. Opponents no longer fear Salah like they once did. Full-backs are pressing him tighter, defenders are doubling up, and he no longer seems to find the half-second of space that made him unstoppable. His dribbles end in blocked crosses, his shots are scuffed, and his passes look rushed. The spark — that electric burst of confidence — seems dimmed.

Yet, football history is full of great players who went through such moments. Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi faced periods when fans and critics questioned them. What separates the great from the good is how they respond. Salah has built his career on resilience — from being rejected at Chelsea to becoming one of the best in the world at Liverpool. That story is proof that he can rise again.

Arne Slot’s challenge now is to reignite that fire. The Dutch manager has publicly supported Salah, saying he trusts the forward to bounce back. Inside the training ground at Kirkby, sources say Salah has been working harder than ever — staying late after sessions, practicing finishing drills, and talking regularly with Slot about tactical adjustments. The hunger is still there, but the rhythm needs rebuilding.

Liverpool’s next few games will define their season. With Arsenal now leading the Premier League, the Reds must rediscover their winning mentality quickly. The fans are anxious, the pressure is mounting, and every mistake feels heavier.

Inside the Anfield dressing room, the mood is tense but not broken. Virgil van Dijk, the captain, has reportedly called for calm, reminding everyone that champions don’t panic after a few defeats. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has missed games through injury, is expected to return soon — a major boost for a team struggling to defend and create from the flanks.

But all eyes remain on Salah. The man who once made defenders tremble must now fight a different battle — the battle within. The whispers that he’s “lost” or “about to get dropped” may be exaggerated, but they’re loud enough to hurt. Salah’s pride, his competitive spirit, will not allow him to fade quietly. Those who know him say he’s angry — not at Slot, not at his teammates, but at himself. He knows he’s capable of more, and he’s determined to prove it.

Liverpool’s story this season has taken an unexpected twist, but it’s far from over. Salah’s journey mirrors the club’s — from dominance to doubt, from joy to frustration, and soon, perhaps, from struggle back to strength. For a player who has broken every record at Anfield, this might be his toughest challenge yet. But if there’s one thing the world knows about Mohamed Salah, it’s that he never stays down for long.

As the next match approaches, the cameras will zoom in on him again — on that familiar stare before kickoff, the quiet prayer, the deep breath. Somewhere inside that calm expression lies a storm waiting to explode. And when it does, the critics, the doubters, and even Wayne Rooney might remember why they once called him unstoppable.

Because heroes are not made in easy times. They’re made when everything falls apart — and they stand tall again. Mohamed Salah has fallen before, but he always rises higher. And Liverpool, wounded but alive, are counting on their Egyptian King to rise once