Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has launched a scathing critique of Mohamed Salah, labelling a moment from the Reds' heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven as 'disgraceful'.
A Night to Forget at Anfield
The criticism comes after a devastating 4-1 loss at Anfield on Wednesday evening, which marks a new low in a miserable run of form for the club. Dominik Szoboszlai managed to score a equaliser for Liverpool, but the team completely unravelled in the second half, conceding three further goals to the Dutch side.
This result means Liverpool have now suffered three consecutive heavy defeats, letting in 10 goals across that dismal spell, with each loss being by a three-goal margin.
Hamann's Harsh Verdict on Salah and Slot
Analysing the performance for RTE Sport, Hamann expressed his astonishment that Salah was not dropped to the bench and pinpointed a specific incident for his strongest condemnation. He focused on Salah's role in PSV's second goal, where he allowed Mauro Junior to bypass him with minimal resistance.
'What he did there was disgraceful,' Hamann stated. 'For a player of Salah's calibre it pains me to say that because he is the guy that has been carrying the team for the last seven or eight years. But what he did in letting the player, Mauro Junior, get past him, without doing anything to help the team.'
Hamann also cast significant doubt over the future of head coach Arne Slot, suggesting the manager is in an impossible position regarding his star player. 'I thought Salah might be one of the first one to be dropped,' Hamann revealed. 'Now he [Slot] has got a decision to make. Do you get the sack with Salah or do you keep your job without him?'
Pressure Mounts Ahead of West Ham Clash
The team's dire situation is compounded by other selection issues. Alexander Isak was surprisingly named on the bench, with Hugo Ekitike starting up front until an injury forced his substitution. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was also absent due to illness, replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
All eyes are now on Liverpool's next match, a Premier League fixture away to West Ham on Sunday. The pressure is intensifying on Arne Slot, with his position as head coach under intense scrutiny, and a major decision awaits on whether Mohamed Salah will retain his place in the starting line-up.
