Michael Owen Responds Firmly to Mo Salah’s Comments After Leeds-Liverpool Draw
Mohamed Salah Sparks Controversy After Liverpool Draw Against Leeds
Mohamed Salah caused a major stir on Saturday evening after publicly criticising Arne Slot following Liverpool’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
The Egyptian forward, long a key figure for the Reds, was left on the bench for the third consecutive match at Elland Road amid a difficult spell for both him and the team. Salah did not feature as Liverpool appeared set to secure victory until Ao Tanaka’s last-minute goal forced a draw.
Salah’s Interview
After the game, Salah expressed his frustration in a candid interview, questioning why he was repeatedly benched. He claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by someone at the club and highlighted a breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot:
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club over the years, especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It feels like someone wanted me to take all the blame. I used to have a good relationship with the manager, and now suddenly we don’t. I don’t know why, but it seems like someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
Reactions from Former Liverpool Players
Michael Owen reacted to Salah’s comments on X, acknowledging the forward’s frustrations but questioning the timing:
“You’ve carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win. But this is a team game. You simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said, especially with AFCON coming up. Surely you bite your lip, enjoy representing your country, and see how things stand when you return.”
Danny Murphy also criticised Salah on Match of the Day, calling his outburst an emotional response that “doesn’t stack up.” Murphy emphasised that frustrations should be handled internally, advising Salah to address issues privately with the manager, CEO, or club owners, rather than making it a public spectacle.
What’s Next for Salah and Liverpool?
Liverpool’s recent struggles continue, with just two wins in their last ten Premier League games leaving them 10 points behind leaders Arsenal in eighth place. They return to action on Tuesday against Inter Milan in the Champions League, followed by a league clash with Brighton on December 13.
Salah is expected to play in both matches before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. It remains unclear whether he will face disciplinary action or if his future at Liverpool is in question.