Mohamed Salah’s social media post saying Liverpool must return to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear” after “crumbling” to a defeat at Aston Villa was a “knife in the back” for Arne Slot, says former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
“When you look at this situation specifically, Mohamed Salah is very calculated,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast.
“He only speaks when he needs to speak and when things are going well you don’t really hear from him whatsoever.
“You only heard from him when he wanted his new contract, not when things were going wrong.
“What people need to understand is footballers are idolised and have the best job in the world but are human beings as well. Some can get their egos bruised and can get very emotional and insecure about certain things. When you go through something like that with a manager, not every footballer has the ability to be the bigger person and lay it to rest.
“Mo Salah is an absolute Liverpool legend, but when it comes to speaking out in the media he is very calculated and knows when to do it.
“For me, this was perfectly calculated and perfectly timed for him to know exactly what he’s doing – taking a dig at the manager.
“When you look at the performance against Aston Villa as well, it’s kicking someone when they’re down.
“It’s very difficult for a manager to deal with something like this involving a legend at the club. For me, this isn’t a coincidence and this is basically a knife to the back to Slot before Salah leaves the football club.”
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