Liverpool are going through a difficult period, not only due to poor results, but also due to tensions within the squad. The team's star player, Mohamed Salah, was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of the 3-3 draw with Leeds United by manager Arne Slot, which caused a huge debate.
Captain Virgil van Dijk intervened in this situation and defended his Egyptian colleague, emphasizing that Salah is a fantastic player who deserves respect for everything he has done for Liverpool at Anfield Road.
"He is still a fantastic player and we have to remember that there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club, and that has to be respected. I need him to be around, as one of the leaders. I am not worried."
"He is disappointed, but that is absolutely normal. If you are not disappointed when you do not play two games in a row, then there is a problem."
"It's always been like this (no, no one is irreplaceable). You don't have unlimited merit, everyone has to perform," Van Dijk said, according to This is Anfield.
Meanwhile, The Athletic harshly criticized Salah after his explosive post-match interview with Leeds, describing his reaction as a disrespectful and selfish act.
The newspaper emphasizes that Salah's pain is understandable, remembering that he had been a starter in 53 consecutive matches in the Premier League before sitting on the bench for the last three matches. /Telegraph/
