'It's Just Wrong': Paul Merson Hits Out At Critics In Fiery Defense Of Mohamed Salah

Former England international Paul Merson has defended Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah following controversial comments made by the forward, where he suggested he had been “thrown under the bus.”

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Salah was excluded from the squad for the recent Champions League victory over Inter Milan, sparking rumors about a possible January transfer from Anfield.

The player and the club are set for an unavoidable separation soon, as Salah will depart to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Upon his return, the situation could change, with Liverpool scheduled to play three additional league matches before the AFCON group stage concludes.

While Liverpool must navigate upcoming matches without Salah due to the tournament, the team has already been benching him by choice; he has not started any of the last four games, appearing only once as a substitute. Merson expressed his understanding and support for the 33-year-old in this situation.

“I’m on Mo Salah’s side,” Merson said on Sky Sports. “I think he’s got too much stick. First, people will go ‘Oh, should he have done what he did? Maybe he shouldn’t have. But he’s a human being to start with. He’s a winner. This man’s a top player. I think ‘legend’ is used very loosely in football, I really do, [but] he’s a legend.

“The figures he’s put up on the wing, scoring goals and assists, are off the charts. We will never see that again, in my opinion. All he’s come out and said is he wants to play football. He’s got the hump because he’s not playing. How could you be slaughtered for that?”

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Paul Merson highlighted that Mohamed Salah’s exclusion from Arne Slot’s starting lineup is not Salah’s decision. Merson contrasted this situation with players who refused to play for their clubs earlier in the season, noting that Salah is being unfairly criticized despite his willingness to play.

“There’s other players in the team that could have got dropped and he’s probably sitting there thinking ‘Wait a minute, we’re not very good and I’m not playing’… I just think it’s wrong. And Liverpool wouldn’t have won anything if it wasn’t for Mo Salah, in my opinion. You take away Mo Salah’s goals and his assists, I don’t think there’s any trophies in that cabinet for a while.”

Following Liverpool’s Champions League victory at the San Siro, which was secured by a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty, Arne Slot declined to discuss Mohamed Salah. Instead, he chose to emphasize the importance of the win, as it maintains the Reds’ chance of qualifying for a top-eight spot in the league stage of the tournament.

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