Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has pushed back against Mohamed Salah's public criticism of the club's playing style, insisting the Egyptian forward was perfectly content when that same approach delivered the Premier League title last season.

Salah sparked debate with a social media post following Liverpool's defeat at Aston Villa last week, in which he called for a return to what he described as "heavy-metal football" — widely understood as a reference to the high-energy, pressing game associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp, under whom Salah produced the finest football of his career. The post drew support from 12 members of the current squad.

Slot, however, was unmoved. "I think Mo was really happy with the style we played last year as it led to us winning the league," the Dutchman told reporters. "Football has changed, football has evolved, but we both want what is best for Liverpool and that is for us to compete for trophies, which we haven't done this season."

A pointed response

The Liverpool head coach also challenged the premise of the criticism itself. "You are doing a lot of assumptions; first of all you say that he wants to play that style and then say it is not my style," Slot said. "He and the team — and I was included in that — brought the league title back after five years and we would like to challenge for that again next season and continue to evolve the team."

Slot acknowledged the tension in finding the right approach going forward. "We have to find that right balance of still being able to compete, but definitely also play the brand and style of football the fans want to see and I want my team to play."

Training ground unaffected

Despite the public nature of Salah's remarks, Slot insisted the episode had not disrupted preparations at the club's training ground. "What I know, and that is my world, is to see how they train and I have not seen anything different compared to the rest of the season," he said. "The boys trained really well and I'm expecting them to do the same in the upcoming two days."

Slot was also keen to redirect focus onto the task at hand. "I don't think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday," he said.

Champions League qualification at stake

Sunday's home game against Brentford carries significant weight. Liverpool, sitting fifth in the Premier League table, require at least a point to secure Champions League football for next season, though their goal difference — six superior to Bournemouth, who trail by three points — offers a reasonable buffer.

The stakes extend beyond a single match. With major summer rebuilding on the horizon following Salah's departure after nine years at Anfield, as well as long-serving left-back Andy Robertson also set to leave, Slot acknowledged how critical a return to Europe's elite competition would be. "That has an impact on our plans. That is definite," he said.

Sunday's match against Brentford marks Salah's final home appearance for Liverpool, bringing the curtain down on one of the most celebrated individual careers in the club's modern history.