Mohamed Salah’s professionalism praised after bench role in PSG defeat

Despite being left unused during Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg, Mohamed Salah has drawn widespread praise from pundits for his conduct after the final whistle.

The Egyptian forward was surprisingly omitted from the action on a night when Liverpool struggled to find attacking inspiration in Paris.

With the tie slipping away, his absence raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike, particularly given his reputation for delivering in high-stakes encounters. However, it was what followed the match that shifted the narrative.

Rather than retreating to the dressing room, Salah was observed participating in an intense post-match warm-down session alongside his teammates.

Former England international Stuart Pearce highlighted the moment during live coverage, noting the forward’s commitment and discipline even in difficult personal circumstances.

“I’m also watching down here Mo Salah doing his running as well.

“He’s at the front of the running and sometimes this gets unnoticed.

“People say oh his attitude stunk when he come off. He done this, he done that.

“If ever there’s a time where a players attitude is going to stink, it’s Mo Salah with six or seven games to go on his Liverpool career not being brought on when they need a goal.

“He’s got every opportunity for his attitude to stink and he’s out there doing the running with the team the box to box work that they do after games.

“So you’ve got to commend him for that. I know it’s his job. I understand that.”

Pearce’s remarks underscored a broader sentiment about Salah’s professionalism, especially given the speculation surrounding his future at Anfield and the pressure of Liverpool’s ongoing campaign.

Echoing that view, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard pointed to the forward’s mindset as evidence of elite mentality, particularly with another fixture looming.

“Credit to him, he’s just stayed behind and done extra running.

“If there wasn’t a midweek game Wednesday probably would be your big session so in his mind he’s already thinking of Fulham on Saturday which shows the pro and mentality that you’re dealing with.”