Former Everton striker Yakubu has leapt to the defence of under-fire Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and misfiring legendary striker Mohamed Salah
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool hugs Mohamed Salah of Liverpool at full time during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot hugs Mohamed Salah after Liverpool's win over Bournemouth at Anfield on the opening night of this season's Premier League campaign
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It is very tough going for Liverpool at the moment. And perhaps the two men who are copping the most flak are the same two men who inspired inspired last season's glorious Premier League title triumph.
Arne Slot guided the Reds to their record-equalling 20th top-flight crown in his debut campaign in charge at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp while Mohamed Salah enjoyed arguably his best-ever season on Merseyside as he plundered 34 goals in 52 games with a mammoth 29 of those coming in the Premier League.
But all that seems a long time ago and Liverpool head to West Ham United on Sunday looking to arrest a troubling run of form that has seen them lose nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Questions are now being raised over Slot's future with the Reds while there have been suggestions that Salah, who signed a new two-year contract in the summer, needs to be taken out of the team.
But the key Liverpool figures have been given support from an unlikely source.
Yakubu is best remembered in these parts for his four years with Everton and, while his loyalty remains on the blue half of Merseyside, the former striker has dismissed the notion that Salah's new deal has impacted his form - and that Slot should be under threat.
The Nigerian said: “He (Salah) might have signed a new contract but it might not be working like it used to when he was looking for the new contract.
"He has tried to give everything for Liverpool, but this is just football. One bad season doesn’t mean he’s a bad player.
"They just need to enjoy him and give him support. He’s done so much for the club and I wish him all the best if it is his last season at Liverpool."
Salah, who has scored 250 goals in 419 appearances for the Reds but just five in 18 games so far this season, will have another year remaining on his contract come the summer.
But Yakubu believes a long-tipped move to the Saudi Pro League could be in the offing.
He continued: "Salah has never found himself in this position before. In the past he would always score goals before but it is hard for him now.
"In the Premier League age can catch up with you quickly. When it comes to age, the Premier League is all about running.
"It’s a very tough league and I think this will be Mo Salah’s last season at Liverpool. He could move to the Saudi League.
"He’s done a lot for Liverpool and he will always be one of the best players to ever grace the Premier League."
Slot exceeded all expectations when he led the Reds to Premier League glory. But even though his second season in charge is proving far more testing, Yakubu has no doubt he needs to retain his job.
"I think he will still be there at Christmas - they need to give him a chance," the 43-year-old said in an interview with Sports Casting. "He just won the Premier League!
"It happened to Pep Guardiola last season when Manchester City lost six games in a row. Every top manager goes through a crisis like this when they’re not winning games.
"Why sack him? He just won the league and I say give him a chance to turn things around.
"Liverpool is a great club and the fans are unbelievable too but they must give him a chance there to turn things around."