Journalist: Mo Salah’s ‘ego’ got the better of him in Liverpool rant | OneFootball

Mo Salah Storm Sends Liverpool Into Uncharted Territory

Liverpool arrive at a crossroads that few supporters expected to see so soon after lifting the Premier League title under Arne Slot. The manager who built early momentum has endured a bruising title defence, with only four wins in the last fifteen outings. The latest twist, the sidelining of Mohamed Salah for three straight matches, has become the lightning rod for tension at Anfield. Credit goes to David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, whose insight has shaped much of the discussion.

Slot’s Gamble On Authority

Slot’s decision to omit Salah completely against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds United has become impossible to ignore after the Egyptian King claimed that his relationship with the head coach was ‘broken’ and that the club had ‘thrown him under the bus’. When you remove a forward who has defined a club era, the message is rarely subtle. Liverpool must now prepare for Inter Milan without him, as he is expected not to travel with the squad.

Lynch summed up the mood succinctly, “It’s not a surprise in the slightest because we all know that Salah won’t accept sitting on the bench.” Those words echo around a squad already trying to regain rhythm. Salah’s frustration is clear and understandable. Lynch continued, “I understand why he’s angry because it’s not as if he has just been dropped but he doesn’t even come on against West Ham or Leeds.”

That decision, in Lynch’s view, cuts deeper than a tactical tweak. “It’s a statement by Arne Slot. It’s so much bigger than pulling him out of the side.” Slot has placed the burden of the slump firmly at Salah’s feet and Lynch acknowledges how seismic that feels. “It’s practically saying that Salah is the biggest problem with this Liverpool side and a lot of the fingers have been pointed at him. So I understand why he feels that way.”

Ego, Elite Standards And Dressing Room Dynamics

Salah’s place among the world’s elite has always come with a strong sense of self belief. Lynch noted, “He has got an ego, but that’s what happens when you have been a top five player in the world for the last eight years.” Nobody reaches Salah’s heights without sharp edges, yet those same qualities can create friction when form falters or when a manager demands a reset.

Photo: IMAGO

The bigger issue now is in the timing. Liverpool required unity during a punishing stretch, but instead the club find themselves negotiating a public flare up with their most iconic forward. Lynch did not look to excuse Salah’s reaction. “But whilst I understand why he feels that way, we can surely all accept that it would’ve been far better if he hadn’t done this and I don’t find it great that he has.”

He then added a powerful comparison that will sting for many supporters. “Can I imagine Kenny Dalglish doing it? John Barnes doing it? Steven Gerrard doing it? Probably not. I think that ego has got the better of him in that moment.” In a period where stability is essential, Liverpool have found turbulence instead.

What Happens Next

The story has grown beyond selection and into identity. Who leads Liverpool through adversity? How does Slot reassert control without alienating the dressing room? Lynch warned that this feels self centred from Salah at a delicate time. “This is a bad moment where Liverpool need to stick together and this is more about Salah looking after himself in this situation.”

Liverpool’s season, once full of promise, now hangs on whether club and superstar can rediscover alignment. Until they do, every match will feel heavier than it should.