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By John Ogunsemore
Former Liverpool striker, Michael Owen has publicly criticised Mohamed Salah for airing his frustrations with the club’s hierarchy in a candid interview, describing the timing as ill-advised just days before the Egyptian forward departs for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Owen, a Ballon d’Or winner, took to X on Sunday to respond to Salah’s explosive comments following Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday.
In the post-match interview, the 33-year-old Salah expressed disbelief at being benched repeatedly under manager Arne Slot, accused an unnamed club figure of “throwing him under the bus,” and hinted at a strained relationship with the Dutch coach.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Salah said, “I’ve given everything, and now this?”
The match at Elland Road saw Liverpool squander a two-goal lead, with Salah, the club’s record goal scorer, an unused substitute.
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The result has left the Reds in eighth place in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, intensifying scrutiny on Slot’s tactics and squad selection.
In his X post, Owen empathised with Salah’s position while urging restraint.
Owen’s intervention draws on his own acrimonious exit from Liverpool in 2004, when he joined Real Madrid as a free agent amid contract disputes.
Despite that history, the 45-year-old argued that Salah’s decision to go public, rather than handling grievances privately, risks disrupting team harmony at a pivotal moment in the season.
Owen said, “Oh @mosalah 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?”
