Mohamed Salah made headlines with public criticism of Liverpool following a 3–3 draw with Leeds, triggering a response from former Reds striker Michael Owen.
Salah sat on the bench for the third consecutive game under Arne Slot. After the match, he told reporters he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and said his relationship with Slot had suddenly broken down.
Michael Owen, reacting on X, said Salah should’ve stayed silent.
I can imagine how you feel. 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.
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?
Owen’s response adds fuel to an already tense situation. Arne Slot now faces even more pressure as Liverpool prepare for their Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Salah has scored four goals in 13 league matches this season. He racked up 29 goals last year as Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in Slot’s debut season.
The 33-year-old forward has started just once since November. He also claimed the club broke promises made to him over the summer.
However, criticism from Michael Owen is notable. He scored 158 goals for Liverpool and won the Ballon d’Or during his time at the Merseyside, before his controversial move to Real Madrid in 2004, a switch that soured many fans.
Salah signed a new deal in April, keeping him at Anfield until 2027. But the Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Hilal, seems to have signaled interest in the star forward.
The Egyptian captain is expected to join the national team next week for the AFCON.