Mohamed Salah is preparing to walk away from Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, but his farewell has turned acrimonious. Hours after Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, Salah posted on social media attacking manager Arne Slot, demanding the return of "heavy metal" attacking football. Twelve squad members, including six who played at Villa Park, liked the post, suggesting his frustration runs deeper than one man.

The season has been Liverpool's worst in years: 19 defeats and 52 league goals conceded, the most in over a century. Salah's own numbers have slipped to nine goals and 12 assists, his least productive campaign in a Liverpool shirt. Yet his presence still matters — Liverpool win 61% of games with him starting versus just 35% without.

Slot's authority has eroded since last season's title triumph, and Salah's public criticism has accelerated that decline. Whether this sparks a genuine reset or further fractures the dressing room will define Liverpool's immediate future.