Mohamed Salah’s recent public criticism of his treatment at Liverpool, following his third consecutive benching, has ignited significant debate among former players and pundits. The Egyptian forward expressed profound dissatisfaction after Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United, suggesting he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and hinting at a potential departure from Anfield. This dramatic outburst has drawn sharp rebukes from former Liverpool stalwarts Michael Owen and Danny Murphy, who argue that such grievances should remain internal.
Salah’s comments, made in a post-match interview, revealed a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot and a sense of disrespect. He explicitly stated, “It is not acceptable for me. I don’t know why this is happening to me. I don’t get it.” The forward further claimed that “every club would protect its player” if this situation occurred elsewhere, asserting his belief that he is being unfairly scapegoated as “the problem in the team now.”
Adding to the controversy, Salah also suggested that the upcoming fixture against Brighton could mark his final appearance at Anfield. This statement has fueled intense speculation regarding his future at the club, where he has achieved legendary status since his arrival from Roma in 2017. His remarks come at a critical juncture for Liverpool, as they navigate a challenging period in the Premier League.
The context of Salah’s benching occurred during a crucial match at Elland Road, where Liverpool squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Leeds. Despite the team’s struggles on the pitch and the need for attacking impetus, manager Arne Slot opted to keep Salah on the sidelines for the entire game. This decision prompted Salah’s immediate and vocal expression of frustration, which has since reverberated across the football world.
Michael Owen, a former Liverpool striker, took to social media platform X to voice his disapproval of Salah’s public statements. While acknowledging Salah’s immense contributions, including carrying the team for an extended period and winning numerous accolades, Owen stressed the importance of team unity and discretion. He wrote, “But this is a team game and you simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said.”
Owen further advised Salah to “bite his lip,” particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaching. He suggested Salah should focus on representing his country and reassess his situation upon his return to Anfield. This counsel underscores a common sentiment among former professionals who advocate for internal resolution of disputes, protecting the club’s image and team morale.
Echoing Owen’s sentiments, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy also criticised Salah’s actions during an appearance on Match of the Day. Murphy unequivocally stated that all of the Egyptian’s frustrations should have been confined “within the four walls of the club.” He argued that airing such grievances publicly creates unnecessary problems for both the team and the manager, making the situation “all about him.”
Murphy emphasised that in professional football, every player, regardless of their standing, must contend for their place and maintain a high level of performance. He advised Salah to address his concerns through appropriate channels, such as directly engaging with the manager or club ownership. “Knock on the manager’s door, see the owners, whatever you have to do, express your frustration,” Murphy stated, highlighting the established protocols for player grievances.
Salah’s current season has seen a noticeable dip in form compared to his stellar performance in the previous campaign, where he secured the Premier League’s player-of-the-year award and the Golden Boot. This decline in consistency has coincided with Liverpool’s broader challenges, contributing to the heightened pressure on both players and management. The forward’s public discontent now adds another layer of complexity to the club’s trajectory.
The controversy surrounding Salah’s remarks places manager Arne Slot in a challenging position early in his tenure. Navigating player discontent, especially from a star player of Salah’s calibre, is a critical test of leadership. The incident also prompts questions about squad cohesion and the management of high-profile personalities within the team environment.
As Liverpool prepares for its next Premier League fixture, the fallout from Salah’s comments is expected to dominate discussions. The club faces the immediate task of addressing the player’s concerns while maintaining focus on its competitive objectives. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the path forward for both Mohamed Salah and Liverpool Football Club.
