Former England manager Sam Allardyce has openly questioned the attitude of Mohamed Salah during the forward’s difficult run in front of goal at Liverpool FC. The experienced coach claimed the Egyptian has not handled the situation well, describing his public frustration as unnecessary during a period when performances have dipped.
Salah has long been Liverpool’s most reliable source of goals, but this season has presented unfamiliar challenges. At one stage earlier in the campaign, head coach Arne Slot opted to leave him out of the starting line-up due to inconsistent displays. Although Salah fought his way back into contention, his finishing in the final third has not returned to its usual level.
A Rare Struggle for a Consistent Scorer
Salah’s reputation at Anfield has been built on remarkable consistency. He has collected three PFA Player of the Year awards and four Premier League Golden Boots, while amassing 252 goals in 429 appearances for Liverpool. Those numbers underline why his current drought has attracted so much attention.
In his last 14 appearances across all competitions, Salah has managed just two goals. His most recent Premier League strike came against Aston Villa on November 1, and he has not added to his league tally since that outing.
Frustration became more evident in December when Salah reacted angrily after being restricted to a substitute role. He appeared to suggest that the club had failed to support him sufficiently during a difficult phase in their title challenge. Similar emotions surfaced when he was withdrawn during Liverpool’s narrow victory over Nottingham Forest.
Reports have since indicated that Liverpool could consider offers in the summer while Salah still retains significant market value. His contract situation allows the club to command a fee, and ongoing concerns regarding his form have intensified speculation.
Allardyce Calls for Greater Accountability
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce insisted that Salah must accept responsibility for his performances rather than directing blame elsewhere. He argued that a player cannot complain about being substituted when goals and creativity are lacking.
According to the former England boss, the issue now appears to extend beyond a short-term dip, suggesting there may be a mental component to the prolonged slump. He emphasised that experienced players should address grievances privately rather than display dissatisfaction on the pitch.
Allardyce also maintained that leadership is particularly important during challenging spells. In his view, Salah should focus entirely on rediscovering his scoring instincts rather than publicly expressing displeasure.
Growing Calls for Ngumoha Opportunity
As Salah and Cody Gakpo have struggled to make a decisive impact, attention has turned to promising teenager Rio Ngumoha. The 17-year-old delivered an energetic cameo against Nottingham Forest, injecting pace and urgency into Liverpool’s attack.
Allardyce recommended a cautious approach to Ngumoha’s development. He suggested that introducing the youngster from the bench when opponents begin to tire may maximise his impact, while starting matches could expose him to unnecessary pressure at this early stage of his career.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also advocated for increased involvement. He noted that Ngumoha influenced the game more in a brief appearance than some senior attackers had managed earlier, highlighting concerns over Liverpool’s lack of penetration in wide areas.
Upcoming Matches Present a Chance for Response
Liverpool’s forthcoming fixtures may offer opportunities for both established and emerging players. The Reds are scheduled to host West Ham United before taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers in league and FA Cup action.
These encounters could provide Salah with the platform he needs to regain confidence and reassert his influence. At the same time, they may allow Ngumoha further chances to demonstrate his potential.
For now, scrutiny remains firmly fixed on Salah as he endures the most testing stretch of his nine-year stay at Anfield, with upcoming matches offering an opportunity to respond.
