Steven Gerrard’s Private Message to Mohamed Salah After December Interview Controversy
Steven Gerrard confirmed he privately contacted Mohamed Salah in the wake of the December interview controversy. Salah’s position at Liverpool had been uncertain since a late 2025 incident.
The December episode
Salah was left out of the starting lineup after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United. Manager Arne Slot made that selection decision.
Salah then spoke in a mixed-zone interview at Elland Road. He was subsequently omitted from the squad for the next European match against Inter Milan.
Gerrard’s intervention
Gerrard discussed the situation on Stick to Football. He said he sent a private message to Salah after the December interview.
He added that he had spoken directly with Mohamed Salah and urged him not to leave under a cloud. Gerrard suggested the interview might be something Salah would later regret.
Gerrard also reflected on Liverpool’s contract thinking. He noted the club had offered a two-year deal, though he felt Salah might only sustain top form for one more season.
He additionally touched on his own managerial future and Arne Slot’s position at Anfield.
Salah’s return and exit plans
Mohamed Salah returned to the squad for the Brighton fixture before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. After AFCON he resumed a regular starting role for the Reds.
The club later confirmed Salah will leave at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. He is 33 and departs after nine years at Anfield.
Potential successors
Gerrard named a pair of players he admires as possible options. He praised Summerville for his one-on-one skill and obvious hunger on the pitch.
He also described Jarrod Bowen as a top performer, but questioned whether Bowen would reach Salah’s level. West Ham sat in the relegation zone at the time.
If West Ham are relegated, their leading players could become available in the summer 2026 window. Whether Liverpool pursue those targets remains uncertain.
Filmogaz.com provided coverage of Gerrard’s remarks and the unfolding situation around Mohamed Salah and Liverpool.
