7 hours ago
26
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes Mohamed Salah has been “hung out to dry” by head coach Arne Slot - but feels the Egyptian’s recent vocal criticism was ill-advised.
The winger stopped to speak to journalists in the mixed zone after Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Leeds and claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club after being dropped for the third consecutive match.
In a bombshell interview, Salah also revealed his relationship with head coach Arne Slot had broken down, claimed someone at Liverpool wants him to leave, and hinted he could have played his final game for the Reds.
It has left the soccer world, and particularly those of a Liverpool persuasion, reeling. Many feel it is inevitable that either Salah or Slot will leave the club in the coming months.
Several ex-Reds have voiced their opinion on the matter, with McAteer the latest to voice his opinion on Sunday.
“It was a strongly worded statement,” the 54-year-old said on BeIN Sports.
“What we need to put in to context is there is a lot of emotion around Liverpool and Anfield. A lot of people have voices these days and all seem to have the answers. We don’t seem to be able to figure out what is actually going on at Liverpool.
“From a performance point of view, results haven’t been great. Since the start of the season, the manager has been dealing with a lot of things and also searching for the right formation and personnel. It hasn’t worked out.
“To go back to Mo Salah, I do agree in parts with the statement, but what I don’t agree with is him doing it publicly.
“I think it should have been kept behind closed doors. I don’t think he should have addressed it in the media.
“He only speaks when he has something to say. It has caused even more pressure on the manager.
“I think it’s a power play but I do think… I wouldn’t use scapegoat as the word, but he has been hung out [to dry] a bit in terms of performance and results have been bad.
“He’s been taken out the team and everyone looks and thinks it’s his fault and he’s the problem. He’s such a big player for the team; he’s a superstar.
“His performances haven’t been great and I do think it’s come down to a massive power play between him and the manager. I am getting the sense that there is no going back now.”
English (US) ·