Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has delivered a scathing assessment of Mohamed Salah's recent comments, telling the Egyptian he is 'not Messi' and that the club comes first. Salah sparked controversy after claiming he had been 'thrown under the bus' by manager Arne Slot and that his relationship with the Dutchman had broken down.
The 32-year-old winger, who has been benched for the last three matches, made the remarks after Saturday's 3-3 draw with Leeds United. He also revealed his parents would attend the upcoming home game against Brighton to 'say goodbye' before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Collymore, writing on X, said: 'Mo Salah has left plenty of winners DNA at Anfield... but it's interesting to see his interview, dropping a grenade into the club.' He added: 'Mo maybe has almost tricked himself onto elevating himself to the untouchable status of Messi or Ronaldo... Mo isn't them, and Liverpool isn't that club.'
The former striker suggested the solution is simple: a private conversation between player and manager, followed by a commitment from Salah or a quick exit. 'If player wants out, make it happen quickly,' he wrote. 'If not, pick the player and let him be judged by his continued performances.'
Collymore also defended Slot, noting the manager had already shown he is 'unimpressed' with star players, having dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold early in his tenure. 'He's earned his respect too,' Collymore said, referring to Slot's Premier League title win in his first season.
