Mohamed Salah Sparks Explosive Fan Divide Over Liverpool Contract Battle
Following Mohamed Salah's criticism of Arne Slot for feeling "abandoned" during Liverpool's difficult period, he garnered overwhelming backing from his Egyptian compatriots, though former Liverpool players condemned him for publicly criticizing the club.
The current Premier League Player of the Season, who remained on the bench during Liverpool's 3–3 stalemate with Leeds United on Saturday evening, expressed his frustration after the match at Elland Road. Salah described his present situation as "unacceptable" considering his accomplishments in Liverpool colors and disclosed he has "no connection" with Slot.
The Egyptian national squad quickly rallied behind their star player on social platforms following the contentious outburst. The Pharaohs' official X profile posted: "You will never walk alone. You will always be the best."
Multiple Egyptian teammates of Salah reinforced this message, sharing images of their captain alongside last season's Premier League trophy with different messages celebrating him as a "legend."
Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan also participated, writing on his social media: "Always a symbol of determination and strength."
Salah's harsh criticism followed the 33-year-old being sidelined for three straight matches as Slot attempted to discover a successful approach to lift the reigning English champions from their concerning decline. Liverpool currently occupy ninth position with only two victories in their previous 10 league fixtures.
Liverpool Legends Tear Into Salah for Explosive Remarks
While backing arrived from his Egyptian colleagues, those with closer Liverpool connections condemned Salah's frank comments. Michael Owen and Danny Murphy were direct in their criticism of the Egyptian forward.
"Approach the manager's office, meet with the ownership, do whatever is necessary, voice your concerns," Murphy stated on Match of the Day. "By acting this way, he's creating difficulties for the squad and the manager while making everything about himself.
"This approach is wrong. Regardless of whether you support his position, you don't handle it this way."
Owen appeared to understand Salah's frustration but ultimately agreed with Murphy in a post on X: "I can understand your feelings. You've been this team's backbone for years and achieved every possible honor.
"However, this is a collective sport and you cannot publicly express what you've stated. You're heading to AFCON in a week. Wouldn't it be better to stay quiet, focus on representing your nation, and assess the situation upon your return?"
Liverpool may indeed face Salah's absence for as many as seven fixtures should Egypt reach the AFCON championship match. The striker encouraged his family to attend the Reds' upcoming match against Brighton next Saturday, suggesting it might be his last appearance at Anfield and implying a possible January transfer.