Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has criticized Mohamed Salah for his recent comments regarding his situation at Anfield, suggesting they could negatively impact team morale. Following Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds United, in which he remained an unused substitute, Salah voiced his frustrations, hinting at a potential exit and claiming a fractured relationship with manager Arne Slot.
Salah's explosive interview sent shockwaves through the football world. He expressed disbelief at being benched for the third consecutive game, stating, "I couldn't believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes... It's the first time in my career I think. I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus". He further claimed, "Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now, I'm on bench, so I can say they haven't kept those promises". Salah also revealed that his relationship with Slot has deteriorated, stating, "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship".
Murphy believes Salah should have addressed his concerns internally. "By doing what he's done, he's causing the manager and the team a problem, and he's making it all about him," Murphy stated. He added, "Whether you agree with him being left out or not, you don't deal with it like this". Murphy suggested Salah should have expressed his frustrations privately, stating, "Knock on the manager's door, go and speak to the CEO and whoever you need to".
Salah's outburst comes amidst a challenging season for Liverpool, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League. The Egyptian's recent form has also been under scrutiny, with only five goals in 18 appearances, a significant drop from his usual standards. Salah's diminished playing time, coupled with Liverpool's struggles, has fueled speculation about his future at the club.
Adding fuel to the fire, Salah stated that the upcoming match against Brighton could be his last for Liverpool. "I said to my family, come to the Brighton game — I don't know if I am going to play or not but I am going to enjoy it," Salah said. He is set to join the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December, further clouding his future at Anfield.
Reports have linked Salah with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and his recent comments have only intensified those rumors. Despite signing a new contract with Liverpool until June 2027, speculation remains rife about a potential January transfer.
Salah's public criticism has drawn mixed reactions. Some have labeled his behavior as "embarrassing" and "disrespectful," while others believe he has a right to express his frustration. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton described Salah's comments as "embarrassing" and "disrespectful to his teammates and his manager".
The situation remains tense, with Liverpool facing Inter Milan in the Champions League. It is unclear whether Slot will include Salah in the squad for the match, with the manager expected to address the situation in a press conference. As the January transfer window approaches, Salah's future at Liverpool hangs in the balance, leaving fans uncertain about the fate of one of the club's greatest players.
