Mohamed Salah drops bombshell statement as he aims dig at Arne Slot and Liverpool's style of play

Mohamed Salah says he wants to see Liverpool go back to being the "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear" following a "very painful" defeat to Aston Villa on Friday evening.

The 33-year-old forward, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine trophy-laden years at the club, has been especially vocal in his final months at Anfield.

Back in December, after he was benched for a third time in a row for their Premier League clash against Leeds, Salah claimed to have been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool as they continued to struggle.

In fact, the Egyptian went on to suggest that he didn't have a relationship with manager Arne Slot.

“It is not acceptable for me," he added. "I don’t know why this is happening to me. I don’t get it. I think if this was somewhere else, every club would protect its player.”

Salah added: "I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season.”

Salah came on in the second half of their 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa. Image credit: Getty

Salah's relationship with Slot has been a huge talking point this season, and on Saturday afternoon, the conversation continued as the forward released a telling statement on his social media channels.

"I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions," he began. "It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that.

"Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.

"That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it. Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games.

"Liverpool will always be a club that means a great deal to me and to my family. I want to see it succeed for long after I have moved on."

"As I’ve always said, qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen," added Salah.

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League table ahead of their final game of the season against Brentford on May 24.