Following a turbulent period for Liverpool FC, former player Graeme Souness has expressed his views on Mohamed Salah, who recently made headlines with comments after the team’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United. Salah accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” due to being benched for the third consecutive match, igniting a debate about his performance and relationship with head coach Arne Slot.
Salah, currently the third highest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, voiced frustration over his situation, stating that he feels unjustly treated. He claimed his relationship with Slot has deteriorated, saying, “If I was somewhere else, every club would protect its players.” This statement highlights his belief that he deserves more support given his contributions to the club.
Souness Supports Manager, Questions Salah’s Commitment
Souness, who made 359 appearances for Liverpool and later managed the team, defended Slot and criticized Salah’s attitude. He pointed out that Salah’s performance this season has been disappointing, noting that he has only scored five goals in 18 games. Souness remarked, “It doesn’t take a mathematician to work out that his numbers are very poor,” indicating that Salah must accept responsibility for his current form. He emphasized that Salah’s comments about not needing to fight for his position were “hard to believe.”
Despite Salah’s pivotal role in Liverpool’s success last season, where he helped secure the club’s 20th top-flight title, his form has significantly declined this year. His accolades included winning the Premier League Player of the Season, the Golden Boot, and the Playmaker award, making him the first player in Premier League history to accomplish this feat in a single season.
Souness urged Salah to regain his competitive edge, stating, “Every day you should train at match tempo so that when the game comes round, you are ready for the intensity.” He called for Salah to set a higher standard as a senior player, suggesting that he has been coasting and that the manager is justified in his decisions. “The idea that Arne Slot should be under pressure is nonsense,” Souness added.
Salah’s Future with Liverpool in Question
Salah’s comments have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts. He reiterated his commitment to the team while asserting that he does not see himself as a problem. “I am not bigger than the club… but I have earned it,” he insisted, referring to his place on the team.
As the situation unfolds, Salah has been omitted from the squad traveling to Italy for the upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan on October 31, 2023. He participated in an open training session on Monday, but his exclusion from the Champions League squad suggests that Slot is taking decisive action in response to both performance issues and public comments.
The dynamics within the Liverpool squad will be closely monitored in the coming days. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Salah responds to this latest setback and whether he can reclaim his place in a team struggling to find its rhythm this season.
