PAUL MERSON ERUPTS: "DON'T WALK AROUND LIKE THAT" MO SALAH'S ANFIELD ATTITUDE SLAMMED
Paul Merson went off on Mohamed Salah's 'miserable' demeanour arriving at Anfield, demanding the club address the star's attitude to set a better example for young players.
Paul Merson recently went off on Mohamed Salah after some footage came out of Salah arriving at Anfield before Liverpool's game against Brighton on Saturday. Merson thought Salah looked miserable.
After talks with the coach on Friday, Salah made his way back into the squad before heading off to the African Cup of Nations next week. But it seems Salah wasn't too happy about starting on the bench against Brighton.
Cameras caught Liverpool arriving at the stadium, and of course, everyone was watching Salah as he stepped off the bus.
Merson didn't hold back. Seriously, has he missed a mortgage payment or what? It's just too much.
You don't want that attitude around the club. You need to sit him down and say, 'Mo, you're a top player. These kids look up to you. Everyone does. Don't walk around like that.'
Clinton Morrison stood up for Salah, saying he's probably still upset about being benched and shouldn't have to smile after his outburst. But Merson wasn't buying it.
Merson said, That's not just a normal walk. If you're the manager, you have to say something. Lots of kids see him as a role model. You don't want to set that example.
I always say, when I played, I always gave it my all, even in reserve games. Someone once told me, 'Play like it's the first time someone's ever watched you.'
He looks like he's just dragging himself in there. He's got the best job ever! He looks like me walking out of a betting shop after losing all my cash.
Mo Salah's Issues Aren't Over
Even though Salah's back in the squad, which has calmed some of the rumours about him possibly leaving Liverpool, it's obvious there are still problems.
Salah's off to AFCON for about a month, so the club has time to sort things out while he's gone. At least they know he won't be causing trouble in the locker room or on the field.
The team needs to clear the air before he gets back. They either need to find a way to make him happy with his playtime or find him a new team.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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