Mohamed Salah accused of ‘sulking’ amid Liverpool crisis by Chelsea icon

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has come under scrutiny as he fails to hit the heights of last season, and Arne Slot’s side is assessed by ex-Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Mohamed Salah is sulking amid Liverpool’s difficulties, according to former Chelsea and Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The Dutchman reckons last season’s talisman is struggling to adjust as he suffers a rut in form and is no longer his team-mates’ go-to man.

The Egyptian scored for the first time in more than a month in defeat to Brentford, and has netted four goals in 13 appearances this term. The 33-year-old’s output is a far cry from this stage last term as he set a ferocious pace to score 34 goals in 52 appearances, while providing 23 assists.

That was enough to help Liverpool win a title in Arne Slot’s debut season in charge and the Premier League star earned a new contract due to his exploits. The Reds have faltered in 2025/26, however, and have lost four league matches in a row.

Hasselbaink reckons Slot is still trying to find his best team after significant work in the transfer window over the summer. Reflecting on the team that started against Brentford, he believes his countryman faces a number of issues

The ex-forward also believes Salah needs to face the reality of his role changing at Anfield, with others looking to take on responsibility.

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“Slot is looking for his best XI,” Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports. “Then, on top of that, Van Dijk is not having his best time.

“Konate is showing some fight, Kerkez has not settled in yet and Bradley is Mr Liverpool but is also still learning the game, and he is playing in a side that is not performing well so you can’t expect a young boy to carry the side.

“In the middle, you now have a real No.10, so you have to play differently. There are so many things that are not right. You have Salah, who is sulking a little bit; a, because he’s not playing well and b, he’s also not really the main man anymore. Players like Ekitike have come in.

“Normally, when Salah is open and free, he gets the ball from everyone. Ekitike is going for himself and looking for his own opportunities.

“It is normal for new players because they want to show they are worth the price tag, and they want to show they can play for Liverpool, but the whole concept is not right; it doesn’t feel right at the moment. It is for Slot to come and make it right, and at the moment, he is struggling with that.”

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