Former England manager Sam Allardyce has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, labelling him a 'big baby' as the Egyptian star endures a dramatic dip in form this season. Allardyce's comments come amid Salah's struggles in front of goal, with the winger managing only seven strikes across 28 appearances in all competitions—a stark contrast to the 34 goals he netted last term.
Allardyce's Blunt Assessment of Salah's Performances
In an interview with Footy Accumulators, Allardyce did not hold back, urging Salah to take personal responsibility for his underwhelming campaign. 'Mohamed Salah needs to bite the bullet, sit down, and make sure he starts scoring,' Allardyce stated emphatically. 'Stop blaming Arne Slot when it's your own fault that you're not scoring and getting taken off.'
The veteran manager highlighted Salah's visible frustration during matches, particularly after being substituted in Liverpool's narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend. Salah was replaced by 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha after 77 minutes and was seen shaking his head on the bench, a reaction that Allardyce condemned as immature.
Salah's Public Discontent and Relationship with Slot
This incident follows a public outburst from Salah in December, when he expressed deep disappointment over being benched during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds. 'I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,' Salah remarked at the time. 'That's the third time. It's the first time in my career I think.'
Salah went further, suggesting a breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot and alleging unmet promises from the club. 'I used to have a good relationship with Slot. Now we don't have any relationship and I don't know why,' he revealed. 'It seems like someone does not want me in the club.'
Allardyce's Advice and Criticism of Salah's Conduct
Allardyce argued that Salah's difficulties are primarily psychological and urged him to address his issues privately rather than airing them publicly. 'He needs to stop displaying his dislike for the situation on the pitch,' Allardyce advised. 'Go and knock on the manager's door and take it up there. Don't do it in front of everyone; he's behaving like a big baby.'
The former manager also pointed out that Salah's goal drought in the Premier League has extended to 12 games since early November, with just four league goals this season. 'It seems like some sort of mental block, because it's not just a spell anymore, it's the whole season,' Allardyce observed. 'It's a worry for Liverpool and for him.'
Emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Slot's Perspective
Meanwhile, young substitute Rio Ngumoha has garnered praise for his impactful performances off the bench, including his recent cameo against Forest. Ngumoha has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, with nine in the Premier League, sparking calls for him to earn a starting role as Liverpool chase a Champions League spot.
Manager Arne Slot has been cautious about overburdening the teenager, citing his age as a factor. 'He has incredible potential, otherwise at 17 years of age you don't play as many minutes as he does in the Premier League, let alone at Liverpool,' Slot explained. 'I don't think there's any other 17-year-old that has played so many minutes this season in the Premier League as he has.'
Ngumoha responded positively, stating, 'I just need to keep pushing and keep gaining the manager's trust and hopefully that leads to more minutes. Hopefully soon.'
As Liverpool navigate a challenging season, the spotlight remains firmly on Salah's form and conduct, with Allardyce's blunt critique adding fuel to the ongoing debate about the star winger's future and mindset at Anfield.
