Liverpool fans felt a jolt this week when Mohamed Salah removed references to the club from his social media accounts and altered images featuring him in red. It followed his omission from the starting side in the Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt and a moment late in the match when he chose to shoot rather than tee up Florian Wirtz for what looked a simple first goal for the German playmaker. Supporters criticised the decision, and talk circulated that Salah left the pitch without acknowledging the travelling fans, although it later emerged that he did so before heading down the tunnel.

Credit to Graeme Bailey for Rousing the Kop for reporting that internal voices are calm about the situation, describing it as “much ado about nothing”. In truth, Liverpool have seen plenty of social storms around star players over the years, and this one feels like a digital tempest rather than a footballing fault line.

Rotation Strategy Reflects Long Term Thinking

Graeme Bailey told RTK that the current approach to Salah is all part of a broader plan to extend his Liverpool career. Bailey revealed, “A Liverpool source told me that if they really didn’t think there was any sort of future with Salah they’d just be playing him into the ground anyway and running down the tread on his tyres, they’re not doing that. They are thinking about it longer term, he could still have two years at the club.”

Liverpool handed Salah a two year extension only six months ago. There is an acceptance that he may not complete the full term, however there remains a belief that he is central to Arne Slot’s evolving system. As Bailey summarised, “Form’s temporary, class is permanent and I think that sums up Salah’s situation perfectly.”

Internal Calm Over Social Media Reaction

Bailey also addressed the online reaction to the Egypt captain’s profile changes, adding, “The social media stuff has been played down to me a little bit”. He pointed to changes in reliance on Salah this season, explaining, “There was always going to be less reliance on Salah this season. He hasn’t had a good season so far, but not many Liverpool players have.”

Such perspective is vital. Liverpool are adapting stylistically, and rotation has been used as a tool to protect the 33 year old. As Bailey noted, “It’s not a massive thing within the club, it isn’t as though he’s been dropped for a long period, and he’s not been dropped, the whole system has changed, so there will be times when they can rest Salah and other players as well.”

Key Role Expected Against Brentford

Salah is expected to return to the starting side for the Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday. With Alexander Isak doubtful for the trip to West London, Slot will likely unleash his talisman from the outset. One non penalty league goal so far raises the stakes, but Liverpool remain steady with their belief in Salah. No knee jerk decisions are on the table, and the view is that his influence still burns bright.

Our View, Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters are split between frustration and faith. On one hand, the social media tweaks created unnecessary noise at a time when the squad is finding its rhythm. Many fans will feel Salah could have avoided stirring the pot, especially after the Frankfurt incident and the missed chance to give Wirtz a dream moment. On the other hand, this is a player who has given everything to the club for years, delivered league titles and record breaking numbers, and his pride will be hurting as much as anyone’s.

The more interesting aspect is what Slot is trying to build. Managing Salah’s minutes is smart. The idea of keeping him sharp for decisive moments in the season aligns with modern elite squad management. Fans often want their heroes to play every match, but Liverpool witnessed what overplaying key figures cost in the late Klopp years. Protecting a 33 year old forward who has played relentless football for club and country makes sense.

What will really settle nerves is goals. If Salah scores against Brentford, the entire online mood changes instantly. Supporters crave a top corner curler, the trademark celebration. Once that happens, the chatter fades. The real question for fans is whether they want the club to keep Salah beyond next summer if performances only flicker. For many, the answer will be yes, because even a slightly reduced Salah remains better than most forwards in world football.