Liverpool Legend Graeme Souness on Mohamed Salah: ‘Acted Like a Child,’ But Still an Icon

Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness stated Mohamed Salah acted “like a spoiled child” during his recent dispute with the club. Souness emphasized Salah needed to review his own conduct. He also acknowledged the “Egyptian King” had cemented his name as a club legend.

Salah sparked significant controversy approximately ten days prior. He made fiery statements against Liverpool. Salah claimed he felt “someone” did not want him to stay. He also suggested he was a “scapegoat” for the club’s poor results this season. The forward expressed deep frustration over being benched multiple times.

Salah returned to action against Brighton after his exclusion from the Inter Milan Champions League match. He entered as a substitute midway through the first half. Salah then assisted a goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory. Fans at Anfield gave him a warm reception. He subsequently left to join the Egyptian national team camp for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Liverpool Echo quoted Souness, who won five league titles and three European Cups with Liverpool. Souness stated, “Salah was acting mad, like a spoiled child.” He added, “He made it all about him.” Souness clarified Salah was not the sole reason for not winning games. However, he noted Salah’s significant impact on the club. “How many games has he decided with his brilliance, either making chances or scoring goals himself? Loads of tight games in the past,” Souness remarked. Graeme Souness’s Liverpool Legacy

Souness continued, “He just needs to look at his own performance more.” Salah’s current statistics do not compare to last year’s, Souness pointed out. “We are nearly at Christmas,” he added. Souness considered Salah “part of the problem.” The coach had previously stated Salah was not at his best without the ball. Souness agreed, noting, “He never has been.”

“Salah compensated for that by doing the hardest thing,” Souness explained. That involved creating chances and scoring goals. “He was brilliant at it,” Souness affirmed. However, Salah has not performed similarly this year. Souness believed this represented “the obvious path” the coach had taken.

Souness Demands Self-Reflection from Mohamed Salah

Souness reiterated, “Mohamed Salah has to look at himself first and foremost.” The manager oversaw a team that was not winning. Souness noted Salah was not contributing to victories.

The Liverpool legend added, “Mohamed Salah will go down in Liverpool’s history as one of their greatest players.” He would feature in an all-time best XI, Souness predicted. “But that’s in the past,” Souness clarified. He felt both “anger and resentment” upon seeing Salah’s statements.

“All his talk was about what he’d done for the club,” Souness observed. Salah implied he did not need to compete for his place daily in training. “Of course, that’s true,” Souness conceded. He stressed, “It’s not about what you’ve done for the club, it’s what you’re going to do tomorrow.” Souness likened it to any workplace: “You don’t get credit for yesterday, it’s all about tomorrow.”

Amid ongoing debate about Salah’s last game for Liverpool, Souness stated his expectation. He predicted the Egyptian player would return to the club after Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign concludes.

Salah will miss at least two matches for Liverpool. His absence could extend to eight games. This depends on Egypt reaching the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Souness declared, “I don’t believe we’ve seen Salah play for Liverpool for the last time.” He expects Salah to return from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Souness does not believe “they’ve made any progress on that front.” He interpreted the situation: “If you’re trying to read between the lines, there’s been a conversation, but no resolution. It’s quite obvious.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed communication with Salah before the Brighton match. Slot firmly refused to disclose any details. Speculation suggests Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas, held a meeting with club management. This meeting aimed to agree on the player’s future. Expectations point to Salah remaining with the club at least until the current season ends.