Steven Gerrard says he was left "hurt" when he watched Liverpool lose to Aston Villa on Friday, with Arne Slot overseeing a 19th defeat of the campaign in all competitions
10:29, 17 May 2026
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says he was left "hurt" after watching the Reds crumble in the second half against Aston Villa on Friday, with Arne Slot's men losing for the 19th time this season.
Mohamed Salah posted a lengthy message on social media the following day outlining his thoughts on the Liverpool playing style ahead of his final match at Anfield next weekend.
And, after reacting to that statement, Gerrard went on to offer his own verdict on how Liverpool has been performing this season, with another three points required to guarantee a place in next year's Champions League.
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"Crumbling is a strong word," Gerrard said. "It's quite damning, the timing. It's unusual coming from Mo. The pressure's on the players and the pressure's on the manager because it's been nowhere near good enough.
"The performance (against Aston Villa) was terrible. It was awful, it was difficult to watch from start to finish, and it hurt me watching Liverpool last night. I don't normally say that.
"It was a tough 90 minutes and they got what they deserved. Villa were better all over the pitch.
Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah in an interview for TNT Sports.
Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah in an interview for TNT Sports.(Image: Getty Images)
"There was no fight, no passion, no pattern of play, no connection, they're not moving around the pitch together, individuals were miles off what I know they can perform at.
"It hurt me to watch Liverpool (against Aston Villa); they were nowhere near good enough. Let's finish on that note."
Earlier, Gerrard had offered his take on Salah coming out and writing a long statement, which most assumed was aimed at Slot, about whom he aimed much more direct accusations after being left on the bench at Elland Road in December.
"You guys know, you've been involved in the media: he very rarely speaks," Gerrard said.
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"He's done interviews lately because he's obviously bringing the curtain down on an incredible Liverpool career.
"But that is quite damning to the Liverpool manager and the staff in terms of where this team's at. That's my opinion on that.
"Is he speaking off his own back for the sake of everyone else in the dressing room? It's strange, it's unusual.
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"He's going to be doing a load of media around his last game, I'm sure. I'm really looking forward to the coming days because that's unusual for a Liverpool player, and it's unusual for Mo Salah."