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Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has called on Mohamed Salah to “do more off the pitch”, despite making a winning return to the team in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Salah dominated the build-up to the Premier League encounter at Anfield following his controversial comments in the Elland Road mixed zone, which resulted in him being excluded from the squad that traveled to Inter Milan in midweek.
But after clear-the-air talks with Arne Slot on Friday, Salah was included in the roster for the Brighton game and was introduced off the bench earlier than most anticipated due to Joe Gomez’s unfortunate first-half injury.
Salah earned a rapturous reception when he made his way onto the Anfield turf after 26 minutes, and was treated to a similar ovation at full-time as he bid farewell to supporters before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
He also put in an impressive performance, linking well with teammates and demonstrating a more team-oriented attitude than in recent weeks. Salah even put in a shift defensively following a week in which he received heavy media criticism.
McAteer admitted he was impressed with Salah on Saturday, but in the aftermath of his contentious interview, hopes the Egyptian utilizes his experience to best help the team.
“His performance today was as good as anything,” the former Republic of Ireland international said during beIN Sports’ post-match coverage.
“I think he is a superstar in world football, and it’s not just about when you get to that senior professional level at a football club like Liverpool, offering everything on the pitch, it’s offering everything off the pitch as well.
“I think the disappointment of some ex-players and pundits, and maybe some people within the game, it’s his attitude. It shouldn’t all be about him.
“He needs to show an example in the dressing room to younger players. At this moment in time, Liverpool are struggling.
“You look at the senior player, it’s not just how are you on the pitch, but it’s what you’re doing off the pitch.”
Meanwhile, fellow ex-Red Stephen Warnock feels Salah’s interview could help the team to recalibrate after a difficult start to the season.
“There's a microscope on the football club,” Warnock said on BBC Sport’s Final Score. "There has been a lot of talk around Liverpool and the response. The actual interview has spurred Liverpool on and made them a tighter-knit group. A siege mentality in the changing room.
“Two clean sheets on the bounce — that's vitally important. It is making sure that you know you're tough to beat.”
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