UFC Star Paddy Pimblett on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah Saga: ‘He Shouldn’t Have Done It but…’

Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah is currently under scrutiny, and even UFC sensation Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett has weighed in on the situation. While refraining from disclosing the specifics of the "it" to which he refers, Pimblett's comments suggest a nuanced perspective on the Egyptian King's recent actions.

Pimblett, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, acknowledged Salah's legendary status at the club, emphasizing his historical importance and past contributions. "I love Salah; he's one of the best players we've ever had in our club," Pimblett stated during a recent interview. However, he also pointed out that even iconic players are not immune to criticism when their performance dips.

The UFC star's comments come amidst a period of fluctuating form for Salah, coupled with Liverpool's recent loss against Chelsea. This defeat has intensified scrutiny on the team's performance, with Salah's contributions being particularly analyzed.

Pimblett suggested that Salah needs to understand that he could be substituted or even dropped if his performance isn't up to par. He drew comparisons to other players like Curtis Jones, who have been taken off during games when not performing optimally, highlighting that accountability should extend to all members of the squad.

"He needs to learn that if he's not playing so well, he's going to get took off," Pimblett asserted, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the need for players to accept tactical decisions made for the team's benefit.

Despite his critique, Pimblett remains a staunch admirer of Salah. He acknowledged the pressure on players to maintain high standards, particularly those with a proven track record. He also seemed to allude to the idea that Salah may be distracted by a potential record. "I think he'll be looking at your goal scoring record and he'll have an eye on Ian Rush's record".

Adding to the complexity, Pimblett criticized the substitution of Wataru Endo during the Chelsea game, arguing that a more attack-minded player should have been brought on to try and win the game. This suggests Pimblett believes that the team's tactical approach, beyond just Salah's individual performance, contributed to the unfavorable result.

Looking ahead, Pimblett has high hopes for Liverpool. He has even expressed his dream of winning a UFC title at Anfield, alongside Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. "In the stadium with Virgil and Salah; one of them has got hold of the Premier League, one of them has got hold of the Champions League and I'm stood there with the UFC belt over my shoulder," Pimblett said. "Now that's what dreams are made of".

Pimblett's comments reflect the broader debate among Liverpool fans and football pundits regarding Salah's current form and his role within the team. While acknowledging his past achievements and iconic status, Pimblett joins the voices suggesting that no player is above scrutiny and that adaptability and accountability are crucial for the team's success.