Former Real Madrid CF striker, Fernando Morientes, has backed Liverpool FC’s reported decision to part ways with experienced stars Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson at the end of the season.
Robertson is expected to leave Anfield after spending nine years at the club, while Salah’s exit would bring an end to a remarkable spell in which he played a key role in Liverpool’s success.
Speaking with Tribal Football, Morientes said the club is making the correct decision by allowing both players to move on as part of a natural transition process.
“It is a natural process. It is something that happens in every team as time goes by. When the stars get older, there is no choice but to let them leave. It is good to rejuvenate the squad and allow new leaders to emerge naturally.
“There always has to be leadership in the team. Of course, we are talking about the most important players of recent years, but due to the nature of football, they have to move on.”
Morientes also stressed that Liverpool must rebuild a strong defensive foundation under manager Arne Slot if they want to challenge for major honours again.
“I have followed the Premier League quite closely. It is true they have not been very consistent. It has been quite irregular. The Liverpool teams that have won the league have always defended very well and then had players who made the difference.
“That is what Liverpool need to find again, a team that defends solidly, with defensive leaders, so they can then finish games off with the quality of their attacking players. They have always had very talented attackers and scored lots of goals, but this year they have been very inconsistent defensively and that has hurt them.”
