Former Liverpool icons Michael Owen and Danny Murphy have publicly criticised current Reds forward Mohamed Salah for his extraordinary outburst against the club.
Salah's explosive comments at Elland Road
The Egyptian superstar, 33, voiced his deep frustration to reporters after being left on the bench for Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday, December 7, 2025. He did not feature in the match at all, marking his third consecutive game as a substitute.
Salah claimed he felt the club was "throwing me under the bus" and being made a scapegoat during a difficult season for the reigning Premier League champions. "I'm very, very disappointed, to be fair. I have done so much for this club," Salah stated. He suggested a breakdown in his relationship with the manager and even implied someone at the club did not want him there.
In comments that sent shockwaves through the football world, Salah hinted his time at Anfield could be ending. He said he would "enjoy" the next game against Brighton because he didn't know what the future held, adding he would be at Anfield "to say goodbye to the fans" before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Former Reds legends urge restraint
Michael Owen responded on social media platform X, expressing sympathy for Salah's situation but condemning his method. "I can imagine how you feel. You've carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win," Owen wrote. "But this is a team game and you simply can't publicly say what you've said." He advised Salah to "bite your lip" until after the AFCON tournament.
Danny Murphy, speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, echoed this sentiment. He acknowledged Salah's legendary status and frustration but insisted such matters must be kept private. "You have to keep it within the four walls of the football club," Murphy asserted. "Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do."
Murphy warned that Salah's actions were causing problems for the team and manager, making the situation "all about him." While hoping for an amicable resolution, he conceded a January transfer could happen if Salah remains "adamant."
Carragher's prior criticism proven right
Fellow pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had already questioned Salah's leadership prior to this incident. On Sky Sports, Carragher noted that captain Virgil van Dijk often fronted up after defeats and said he would "like to see Mo Salah come out as one of the leaders."
Salah seemed to anticipate Carragher's renewed criticism, telling reporters: "Tomorrow Carragher is going to go for me again and again and that's fine." He defended his record, stating he has scored more Premier League goals and provided more assists than anyone in his generation since joining Liverpool.
The saga leaves Salah's future at the club he "loves so much" in serious doubt, with the January transfer window looming and the player set to depart for international duty.
