Champions League: Mohamed Salah has every right to be angry after PSG snub- Stuart Pearce

Former Manchester City defender Stuart Pearce has defended Mohamed Salah following his omission from Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, saying the forward has every right to feel frustrated.

Salah was left on the bench as Liverpool fell 2-0 to the French champions in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Pearce highlighted the Egyptian forward’s attitude after the match, noting his continued commitment despite not featuring.

“I saw Mohamed Salah running after the game. He’s at the front of the pack, and sometimes that goes unnoticed.”

He pushed back against criticism of Salah’s demeanour, adding that the forward’s response to being left out should not be viewed negatively.

“People are saying his behaviour was bad when he left the pitch, he did this, he did that.

“If there is a time when a player’s behaviour is extremely bad, it is when Mohamed Salah is not included in a match that has six or seven games left in his career with Liverpool when the team needs a goal.”

Pearce stressed that Salah continued to carry out his post-match duties, running with the rest of the squad and maintaining professionalism.

“He has every opportunity to behave badly, he’s there running with the team, doing the work they do from penalty area to penalty area after matches.

“So we should commend him for that. I know that’s his job, I understand that,” he added.

Salah, who is widely expected to depart Liverpool at the end of the season, could return to action when the Reds face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.