Michael Owen Breaks Silence With a Strong Message After Salah’s Post-Match Explosion Against Leeds.
Mohamed Salah sparked major controversy on Saturday night after publicly criticising Arne Slot in the wake of Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
The Egyptian, long regarded as Liverpool’s standout performer, has endured a difficult spell alongside the team. His recent dip in form saw him benched for the third match in a row at Elland Road.
Salah stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes as Liverpool let a late lead slip. Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have sealed the win with 10 minutes left, only for Ao Tanaka to equalise with virtually the last kick of the game.
After the match, Salah gave a fiery interview that left fans stunned.
—
What Salah Said
Salah expressed disbelief at being left out again, claiming someone at the club was trying to “throw him under the bus” and revealing a complete breakdown in communication with Slot.
He said:
He couldn’t understand why he’d been benched for a full match for the third straight time — something he said had never happened in his career.
He felt deeply disappointed after everything he had contributed to Liverpool, especially last season.
He believed he was being unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles.
He insisted his previously good relationship with Slot had suddenly collapsed for reasons that were unclear to him.
He suggested that someone at the club “didn’t want him there anymore.”
—
Michael Owen’s Reaction
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen responded strongly on social media.
He acknowledged Salah’s immense influence over the years but criticised the decision to go public so close to the Africa Cup of Nations, saying Salah should have held back and addressed the matter internally after returning from international duty.
—
Danny Murphy’s Take
Speaking on Match of the Day, Danny Murphy echoed Owen’s view. He described Salah’s comments as an emotional outburst that should have been handled privately. Murphy stressed that every player must fight for their place and warned that Salah’s approach had created unnecessary problems for the manager and the team.
—
Liverpool’s Situation
Liverpool have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games, sliding to eighth place and falling 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their next fixtures are against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Brighton in the Premier League before Salah departs for AFCON.
It’s currently unclear whether the club will discipline Salah for his remarks — or whether this incident signals the beginning of the end for him at Anfield.