Sodje says criticism of Mohamed Salah by former England stars is “unfair” — urges perspective after Liverpool row

 

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi 

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has described the recent barrage of criticism aimed at Mohamed Salah from some former England stars as unfair, after the Liverpool forward publicly accused his club of having “thrown [him] under the bus.” Salah’s explosive comments followed a string of benchings and a 3–3 draw with Leeds United that intensified scrutiny of both the player and Liverpool’s management.

Speaking in Effurun, Delta State, Sodje said players are often loyal to their clubs but — he added — “when the tables are turned the reverse is usually the case,” arguing media and ex-pro reactions have lacked context. Sodje told reporters that while Salah’s decision to air his feelings publicly may be controversial, the wave of attacks from high-profile figures — including blunt condemnations from some former England internationals — has been disproportionately harsh.

Sodje also weighed in on Salah’s future, saying the Egypt international should have left Liverpool last season after helping the club win the Premier League title. “He earned his place. Maybe a move last summer would have avoided this fallout,” Sodje said, suggesting career-management choices, not just on-field form, lie behind the row.

The dispute has split opinion across the UK football world. Some ex-players and pundits have publicly warned that Salah’s comments risk undermining team unity and his own legacy — with former England stars arguing the striker’s public airing of grievances crossed a line. Others, and a number of analysts, say the focus should be on Liverpool’s broader tactical and personnel problems rather than singling out one ageing star. 

The debate has played out across national and international outlets since Salah’s remarks on 6 December 2025, prompting intense coverage and a fresh round of transfer speculation.

Context & what to watch next: 

Salah, 33, has been a talisman at Anfield for eight seasons and remains one of the club’s most decorated players; his suggestion that he was being scapegoated has raised questions about hierarchy and communication at Liverpool. Former England figures such as Wayne Rooney have issued particularly strong rebukes, framing Salah’s interview as damaging to his reputation — a line of criticism Sodje says fails to consider the player’s service and the club’s role in any breakdown.

 Fans and analysts will now watch whether the club opens internal talks with Salah, whether manager Arne Slot responds publicly, and whether January transfer-window speculation turns into concrete offers.