‘He deserves more respect’ – Patrice Evra leaps to Mohamed Salah’s defence amid Liverpool uncertainty

Patrice Evra has leapt to the defense of Mohamed Salah, calling for the Liverpool forward to be shown more respect following a tumultuous period that has seen the Egyptian international benched and embroiled in a public dispute with the club.

The Senegal-born former Manchester United defender’s comments come at a critical juncture for Salah, whose future at Anfield has been plunged into uncertainty.

After a string of uncharacteristic performances during the 2025/26 campaign, manager Arne Slot opted to drop the veteran winger for several high-profile fixtures.

The decision prompted an uncharacteristically vocal response from Salah, who took to the media to express his frustration, a move Evra described as “creating chaos.”

“Mohamed Salah has been at the top for so many seasons,” Evra stated. “As soon as he has one bad season, he gets put on the bench then he goes to speak to the media, creating chaos, and he’s still at the club.”

Despite the friction, Evra insisted that the 33-year-old remains essential to Liverpool’s ambitions. The Reds are currently locked in a fierce battle for a top-four finish, and Evra believes Salah’s experience is the club’s best asset in securing Champions League football.

“He’s still needed to help Liverpool get into the top four,” Evra noted. “These moments happen to the big players. Salah should get more credit; everyone in football forgets too fast.”

The statistics reflect a player undergoing a natural transition. Salah has recorded 11 goals and 8 assists across all competitions—figures that, while respectable for most, represent a significant dip from the 30-goal seasons that defined his prime.

This decline, coupled with a contract set to expire in 2027 and persistent interest from the Saudi Pro League, has intensified the scrutiny on his role.

Evra concluded by reminding critics that even the most elite athletes are prone to fluctuations in form. “Sometimes, the best players can have one poor season,” he said, urging the Liverpool hierarchy and fanbase to remember Salah’s historic contribution to the club’s trophy-laden era before dismissing his value.