Michael Edwards sent huge Liverpool transfer warning as unseen Mo Salah problem could develop
Stan Collymore has offered his view on Liverpool's season as well as the work Michael Edwards will have to do at Anfield this summer when Jurgen Klopp leaves
Stan Collymore believes Michael Edwards will have to 'earn his corn' this summer ahead of Arnie Slot's potential arrival at Liverpool - and sent a stern warning about the 'bigger than the club' situation that could develop with Mohamed Salah after Jurgen Klopp's departure.
Slot is expected to succeed Klopp at Anfield this summer after the Reds' agreed compensation with Feyenoord. Slot insisted on Friday though that nothing has been confirmed yet.
Liverpool have struggled badly in recent weeks as their hopes of winning the Premier League title look faint now after falling five points behind leaders Arsenal. They were also knocked out of the Europa League against Atalanta and the FA Cup in a 4-3 defeat at Manchester United back in March.
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And former Reds striker Collymore believes FSG's football chief Edwards will need to play a big role at the club this summer. He also believes it is possible that the potential resurgence of Man United and other top-flight rivals could see a decline at Anfield after Liverpool's title-challenging years under Klopp.
"So did Jurgen Klopp telling the world that he was moving on help or hinder Liverpool? Many now have made the simple deduction that because Liverpool are labouring at the tail end of the season, Klopp’s announcement only made things worse. I completely disagree," he said in his column for Caughtoffside.
"There’s as much evidence from players’ mouths as you need that they were motivated and ready to win multiple silverware in the master’s final season, even a quad was on the cards a month or more ago, but the reality is a lot simpler.
"Liverpool haven’t been good enough in key positions this season. Darwin Nunez has been wasteful and the questions about him and Cody Gakpo being good enough for Liverpool won’t go away. The only player that’s been a resounding success is Alexis Mac Allister — he’s had a stunning season.
"And then there’s the slightly concerning Mo Salah vs Klopp situation. A frustrated player venting off steam? Or a bigger-than-the-club type whose influence will grow when the manager goes just as his star will naturally decline? — One thing’s for sure, Michael Edwards is going to have to get it right and earn his corn this summer and support the new manager big time.
"And, with a potentially rejuvenated Man United with Spurs, Aston Villa Villa, West Ham and Newcastle champing at the bit to get top-four, Chelsea’s young pups coming good, and Arsenal becoming Man City’s new big rivals, could a drop off for many years to come be on the cards for Liverpool? — I think it’s very possible."