‎'You Have the Brains of a Beetle': Marco van Basten Criticizes Mohamed Salah After Liverpool Star Attacks Manager Arne Slot

By: Shawn
‎Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has drawn sharp criticism from Dutch legend Marco van Basten following the Egyptian forward’s public clash with Reds manager Arne Slot. Salah, left out of the starting lineup for three consecutive Premier League matches, expressed frustration at his lack of game time and hinted at a potential January exit from Anfield.
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‎Marco van Basten calls Mohamed Salah the 'brains of a beetle' after Liverpool forward publicly criticizes manager Arne Slot and faces Champions League omission.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎After winning the Premier League Golden Boot for a record-equalling fourth time last season, Salah has struggled to find form in 2025-26. Across 19 appearances in all competitions this season, the Egyptian winger has scored five goals and registered three assists, prompting Slot to make the controversial decision to bench him.
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‎Salah’s frustration boiled over during a media outburst, saying: "I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."
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‎Following this public display, Liverpool left Salah out of the travelling squad for their crucial Champions League fixture against Inter Milan. The club emphasized that every player must earn their place in the team, regardless of their stature or past contributions.
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‎Marco van Basten took aim at Salah for his actions, telling Ziggo Sport: "I'd say: the brains of a cockchafer. He did very well last year, but this season he's not good. He's just been bad these past few months. I always find Slot honest and straightforward. Salah, on the other hand, really started attacking the man and reacting incorrectly."
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‎Reds manager Arne Slot addressed the media the day after Salah’s comments. Slot stated: "I don't feel that my authority has been undermined. It’s not about me; it’s about what is best for the team and the club. No one likes the current situation, mainly because of the results. I have to pick a team, and my focus is on the team, not me."
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‎When asked if Salah had played his last game for Liverpool, Slot added: "I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this moment in time."

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