Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has publicly criticised current Reds star Mohamed Salah for his explosive comments following the club's dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday night.
Salah's Stunning Rant After Elland Road Snub
The football world was left stunned when Mohamed Salah, 33, launched a remarkable tirade against his club and manager Arne Slot. This came after he was left as an unused substitute for the third consecutive Premier League match. The Egyptian winger watched the entire game from the bench, including the painful 96th-minute equaliser Leeds scored.
In a bombshell interview sought with reporters after the final whistle, Salah made a series of damaging claims. He stated he has 'no relationship' with manager Arne Slot, who opted not to bring him on despite Liverpool's obvious struggles during the match. The forward expressed deep disappointment, suggesting the club had broken promises made to him in the summer.
"I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," Salah said. "That's the third time. It's the first time in my career I think." He added, "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel."
Owen's Verdict: Sympathy But Strong Disapproval
Michael Owen, whose own 2004 departure from Liverpool was fraught with tension, has now weighed in on the controversy. Writing on social media platform X, Owen expressed sympathy for Salah's situation but was unequivocal in his disapproval of the public nature of the complaints.
"Oh @MoSalah. I can imagine how you feel," Owen wrote. "You’ve carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win. But this is a team game and you simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said."
Owen directly addressed Salah's imminent departure for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), suggesting a different course of action. "You’re going to AFCON in a week. Surely you bite your lip, enjoy representing your country and see how the land lies when you get back?" his post concluded.
Fallout and What Comes Next for Liverpool
The fallout from this public rift creates a significant headache for manager Arne Slot. Liverpool's form has been patchy, with only four wins in their last 15 games across all competitions. The timing is particularly poor with crucial fixtures against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Brighton on the horizon.
Salah hinted at deeper issues, telling reporters he had invited his parents to Anfield for the Brighton game to "say goodbye to the fans" before AFCON, adding "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."
Whether Salah will be reintegrated into the starting lineup or remain on the bench for these critical matches is now a major talking point. Slot must navigate this high-profile dispute while trying to salvage Liverpool's stuttering season, making the coming week one of the most challenging of his tenure so far.
