Markus Babbel, a former defender for Liverpool FC, understands the announced departure of the Reds’ superstar Mohamed Salah.
The former German international was critical of the Egyptian’s performances at Anfield this season. Salah announced a few weeks ago that he will be leaving Liverpool after nine years at the end of the season.
In the current season, the 33-year-old Salah has scored twelve goals and provided nine assists for the struggling Reds. This represents a significant decline compared to the previous season when Liverpool won the Premier League title, and the winger was directly involved in 57 goals.
For Babbel, Salah not continuing with the English champions is a logical next step that should also please the club.
Markus Babbel on Mohamed Salah: ‘He was so bad’
‘I think it was the right decision. It has been a tough season for him so far, and he hasn’t shown what we’re used to from him,’ Babbel told EPL Index. ‘He was always the player who made the difference – but we haven’t seen that often this season.’
Babbel added, referring to the strained relationship with Reds coach Arne Slot, who left Salah on the bench for the first time before Christmas, sparking a public dispute: ‘I’m not sure if his relationship with Slot has always been the best, because it looks like he’s not particularly happy with the coach. However, I was sometimes surprised that Slot kept him on the field, because he was so bad. Everyone can have a bad game, but he didn’t even work for the team – and that was the biggest disappointment. I would have taken him off earlier.’
Mohamed Salah not first choice under Arne Slot in the Champions League
It is not yet clear where Mohamed Salah will continue his career from the summer. ‘If he wants to earn a lot of money, then a move to Saudi Arabia makes sense. I’m not sure if many European clubs can afford him,’ Babbel noted.
Liverpool, currently fifth in the Premier League, is well behind expectations. The top duo, Manchester City and Arsenal, are already 15 points ahead. In the Champions League, the Reds were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, where they were outclassed. Salah sat on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of the first leg (0-2) and was only substituted in the second leg, another 0-2 defeat.
Mohamed Salah’s 25/26 Season:
| Games | 38 |
| Minutes Played | 3001 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 9 |