Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has launched a scathing critique of Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian forward's extraordinary public outburst cast serious doubt over his future at Anfield.
Salah's Explosive Comments Shock Football
The Liverpool star sent shockwaves through the football world on Saturday night. In a remarkable post-match tirade, he took aim at both the club and new manager Arne Slot, openly admitting he may have already played his final game for the Reds.
Salah expressed deep frustration at being relegated to the bench for recent matches, a decision he strongly disputed. 'I'm very disappointed,' Salah stated. 'I've done so much for this club - everyone can see that - over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel it.'
Murphy's Stinging Rebuke on Match of the Day
The rant comes at a difficult period for Liverpool, who sit ninth in the Premier League table and have secured just one victory in their last five league fixtures. Uncertainty also surrounds manager Arne Slot's position.
Murphy, who made 249 appearances for Liverpool, used his platform on BBC's Match of the Day to condemn Salah's actions. He suggested the player was creating an unnecessary distraction for personal reasons. 'We know that's an emotional response and doesn't really stack up,' Murphy argued. 'Everyone has to keep fighting for their place and perform at a certain level.'
Murphy acknowledged Salah's legendary status and right to feel emotion, but insisted the matter should have been handled privately. 'You have to keep it within the four walls of the club. Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do,' he said.
'By doing what he's done he's causing the team a problem, he's causing the manager a problem and he's making it all about him. You just can't do it,' Murphy concluded.
Timing and Potential January Exit
Salah's frustration stems from being left out of the starting line-up for three consecutive games under Slot. He has one more potential appearance – away to Brighton next weekend – before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Murphy expressed hope that the situation would calm down, but warned of a potentially messy departure. 'The reality is everybody would want a legend like Salah to go on good terms with a wonderful send off,' he said. 'I hope it doesn't end badly because of everything he has given, but there's always a chance if he's adamant.'
He also hinted at the possibility of a January transfer, stating: 'Liverpool Football Club are in charge of what happens because he's signed the contract but if he's adamant he wants to leave maybe we will see something in January, but I hope not.'
The public airing of grievances places significant additional pressure on a club already struggling for form, turning the spotlight firmly onto the relationship between one of its greatest modern players and its new manager.
