Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has finally spoken out about the behind-the-scenes events surrounding Mohamed Salah’s stormy relationship with manager Arne Slot last December, offering rare insight into the dynamics that led to the Egyptian forward’s impending exit from Anfield. In an exclusive interview with The Overlap, Gerrard revealed the private conversation he had with Salah after the winger publicly accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” and announced he no longer had a working relationship with Slot. Gerrard, who captained the club for years and knows both the pressures of the Anfield stage and the fine margins between greatness and controversy, stressed that he believes Salah’s departure at the end of the season is “in everyone’s best interests” and could allow the striker to leave on his own terms rather than under a shadow.

“I spoke to him directly at the time,” Gerrard explained, reflecting on the moment when Salah’s frustration boiled over in the mixed zone following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. “I told him, don’t do what you’ve done and go under a cloud. He needed to understand that his legacy at Liverpool is untouchable if he handles this properly.” Gerrard described how the winger was visibly emotional, still feeling the sting of being dropped during a difficult run of games over the winter, when Liverpool struggled for form and results. Despite Salah being one of the club’s most prolific scorers, his form dipped sharply this season, netting just five goals in 22 Premier League appearances, a rare lull that coincided with his clash with Slot.

The Liverpool icon also drew a parallel to his own experiences, admitting that he could fully empathize with Salah’s frustration and disappointment. “I had a similar situation with Brendan Rodgers toward the end of my time at Anfield,” Gerrard said. “I understand now, with some distance, what the manager was trying to do. When you’re in the moment as a player, it’s different—you feel like you should be on the pitch every game, every minute, and sometimes it’s hard to see the bigger picture.” Gerrard recounted how, as a player, he often felt sidelined despite his experience and contribution, particularly during key fixtures. He recalled the delicate balance managers must strike when determining starting lineups and rotations, noting that it is rarely personal, but always about the best interests of the team.

Gerrard went on to reveal more about the private messages he exchanges with Salah, noting that they remain in occasional contact, largely centered around Gerrard’s son, Lio. “We text now and again, mainly if I’m going somewhere with Lio,” Gerrard said, emphasizing the human side of the connection. “I’m not close to him in the sense of daily life, but it gave me a chance to tell him, you’ve been here for eight or nine years, you’ve built this incredible legacy—just leave on your terms, the right way.” The words, Gerrard added, were meant to encourage Salah to consider the long-term picture, to step away from Anfield not in anger or bitterness, but with dignity, preserving the respect he earned from fans, teammates, and the wider footballing world.

He also shed light on the broader context of Salah’s contract situation. Gerrard explained that Liverpool had initially intended to offer Salah a single-year deal, reflective of his age and the natural progression of a footballer’s career. However, following Salah’s exceptional performances in previous seasons, including high goal tallies and decisive contributions, the club extended it to two years. “From where I stand, it was always likely to be a one-year deal at that level,” Gerrard noted. “He’s given so much to Liverpool, and now it’s time for both sides to move forward in a way that benefits everyone.” Gerrard framed the decision as pragmatic and forward-looking, not just for Salah, but for Liverpool, allowing them to plan for the future while respecting the career of a player who has become synonymous with the club’s modern success.

The former captain also reflected on the emotional toll of the winter fallout, describing how being in and out of the starting XI, coupled with the high expectations at a club like Liverpool, affected Salah deeply. “He was frustrated, upset, and emotional,” Gerrard said. “It would have been a shame if he had left in January under those circumstances. Now that some time has passed, and emotions have settled, I believe this timing is better—it allows him to leave on his terms and maintain the dignity that his contribution deserves.” Gerrard’s commentary added a nuanced layer to the public narrative, highlighting the difficult balancing act between individual star players’ egos and the collective priorities of a football team chasing domestic and European glory.

Adding a managerial perspective, Gerrard discussed the lessons he’s learned from his own coaching career. Having experienced both success and disappointment, including title-winning stints and underwhelming periods at Aston Villa and abroad, Gerrard believes he has developed empathy for both players and managers. “I understand both sides now,” he said. “As a manager, you have to make decisions that are best for the team. Even when someone has been brilliant, if they’re out of form or struggling, tough calls have to be made. That’s what happened with Salah in December, and the truth is, both he and the club will benefit from handling it the right way moving forward.”

Gerrard’s reflections also highlighted the emotional complexity of a footballer’s career trajectory, particularly for high-profile players approaching the twilight of their peak years. “Maybe you’re not the same player at 34 or 35,” he said. “There’s no real expectation that you should play every minute just because you’re the captain. But it’s hard in the moment to step back and see that perspective. You feel you can contribute, and sometimes that makes it more difficult to accept rotation or time on the bench.” Drawing on examples from his own career, including managing Jermain Defoe at Rangers, Gerrard emphasized that star players often struggle with the limitations imposed by age, fitness, and form, which managers must navigate carefully to maintain both results and morale.

In closing, Gerrard reaffirmed his support for Salah’s legacy at Liverpool, insisting that leaving on a positive note is critical for the Egyptian forward. “He’s the third-highest scorer in Liverpool history,” Gerrard reminded. “What he’s done here cannot be diminished by a few months of friction with a manager. The right timing and approach will allow him to preserve his incredible record and reputation while also giving Liverpool the chance to evolve and plan for the future. It’s in everyone’s best interests, and I hope he takes the opportunity to exit with the respect and admiration he deserves.”