Steve McManaman makes his feelings clear on Mohamed Salah after Arne Slot decision

Steve McManaman has offered his verdict on Mohamed Salah’s relationship with Liverpool, sharing his perspective on the Egyptian's influence for Arne Slot's side

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Steve McManaman has made his feelings clear on Mohamed Salah after Arne Slot opted to start the forward against Newcastle.

Liverpool secured a place in the Champions League last 16 this week after claiming its second win in seven days, but its domestic form remains a major concern. However, the Reds have finally secured their first Premier League win of 2026 against Newcastle.

Salah missed the start of the year due to AFCON duty and has yet to rediscover his best form since returning. However, he did get back on the scoresheet against Qarabag at Anfield, netting Liverpool’s third goal after first-half strikes from Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz.

Salah curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box following a lay-off from Dominik Szoboszlai, marking his first Liverpool goal since November 1.

McManaman has hailed Salah’s impact at Liverpool, declaring the Egyptian makes the Reds a much better side. "I think he gives Liverpool balance," said McManaman ahead of the Newcastle game.

"Whether he has a good game or a bad game is a talking point afterwards, but when he was at AFCON, Liverpool really missed him, they were very lopsided.

"He wants to play on the left, so when he plays and when he scores and when he stars in the game, Liverpool are a much, much better side when he's in it than when he's not.

"So I think relationships are fine and I think hopefully we'll see the best out of him now for the rest of the season."

Steve McManaman believes Liverpool is a much better team with Salah(Image: Getty Images)

Salah cast significant doubt over his future at Anfield in December when he launched a remarkable tirade, accusing the club of throwing him “under the bus” and claiming someone within Liverpool was trying to push him out.

Since then, Slot appears to have mended fences, with the 33-year-old starting every game since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, although questions over his long-term future remain.

Despite the speculation, Salah looks set to stay beyond the January transfer window. His celebration against Qarabag suggested he is still committed to the club — after scoring in front of the Kop, he pressed his hand to the Liverpool badge on his shirt, signalling his affection for both the team and the fans.

Even during his outburst last month, Salah made his love for Liverpool clear. "This club, I always support it," he said. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much; I will always do."