Liverpool face a defining week in their season for Arne Slot and his flops after Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and company's latest humiliation against Manchester City
08:51, 07 Apr 2026
Mohamed Salah has had his worst season at Liverpool as the club have spiralled into crisis
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Mohamed Salah has had his worst season at Liverpool as the club have spiralled into crisis(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Liverpool's crisis could deepen as the defending Premier League champions' season threatens to spiral further into disarray.
The Reds' latest humiliation arrived via their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday in their FA Cup quarter-final clash. Adding salt to the wound, Virgil van Dijk accused his side of "giving up" during the encounter, with supporters directing blame at the Dutchman, his colleagues and Arne Slot for what has been a woeful title defence.
Before their Champions League quarter-final encounter against Paris Saint-Germain this week, we examine a judgement passed on outgoing talisman Mohamed Salah plus Jamie Carragher making his position clear regarding one Liverpool player. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool rlooks dejected during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool on April 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Mohamed Salah looks a shadow of his former self this season for Liverpool(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Mohamed Salah verdict
Saturday's humiliation at the Etihad Stadium proved disastrous for every Liverpool player, particularly Mohamed Salah.
The 33-year-old not only provided minimal danger and missed a glorious chance to open the scoring but squandered his second consecutive penalty as James Trafford denied his attempt, reports the Mirror.
With a guaranteed nine matches remaining for Liverpool, unless they overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Salah currently appears to be departing with a whimper at the conclusion of his illustrious Anfield tenure.
Mohamed Salah during Liverpool's FA Cup battering by Manchester City
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Mohamed Salah during Liverpool's FA Cup battering by Manchester City(Image: ( Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Henry Winter suggested Salah "didn't look right" when he approached to take the spot-kick. He said: "They're [Liverpool] running through quicksand at the moment. Mo Salah, I think, embodies that.
"I was watching on TV, and you just looked into his eyes when he was taking that penalty, and he just didn't look right. He didn't look like the confident Mo Salah of old. Good save by James Trafford. And City were terrific, but that was poor."
Reflecting on the Reds supporters who left the ground early with their team four goals down, he added: "I've not seen Liverpool fans walk away like that. Obviously, there were a lot of them because you get an increased allocation. But still... Arne Slot should look at that as well as his underperforming players."
Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, reacts in the technical area during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom, on April 4, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot's Liverpool have been shambolic this season(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Writing on X, he expanded: "Sight of so many Liverpool fans leaving the Etihad early was telling and very damaging for Arne Slot. Usually defiant fans now voting with their feet. Understandable frustration: results poor, performances poorer, stars fading, team drifting, manager struggling.
"Slot rightly has some remaining credit in the bank because of last season but he has to get Liverpool into the Champions League either through winning it – unlikely as PSG up next – or league finish – not easy with Everton, Manchester United and Villa away. Champions League qualification is vital to owners. Huge financial return.
"Whatever happens against PSG, the decision on Slot’s future should be taken in the summer – when CL future decided."
Jamie Carragher message
Jamie Carragher speaking in an interview
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Jamie Carragher has given his thoughts(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has exchanged harsh words with Salah previously, particularly in December following the Egyptian's outburst after being left out against Leeds.
Yet the Champions League winning defender turned Sky Sports analyst had nothing but praise following his announcement that he'll depart Liverpool when the season ends.
Honouring Salah's endurance and impact at Anfield, the former Liverpool deputy captain told the Liverpool Echo: "Salah has been an exceptional player from the start; no one expected him to reach such a high level with Liverpool."
"He is one of the greatest players ever to wear the club's shirt. He has spent nine full seasons here, and the real secret behind his success lies in his consistently stunning performances over the years."
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"What impresses me about him is that he plays in every match week in, week out, without tiring. I feel immense pride when I look at his career; luck may play a part in avoiding injuries, but his constant desire to be there and play is what truly sets him apart."