Murphy: Salah’s no-defence role now hurting Liverpool

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has warned that Mohamed Salah’s lack of defensive work is beginning to cost the Reds, claiming the team’s right side has become a weak spot under new boss Arne Slot.

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Murphy said Salah’s forward-only role is leaving his full-backs exposed in big games — including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“It feels like Salah’s lack of defensive work has become a little problem for Liverpool, especially against the better sides,” Murphy said. “The players behind him aren’t covering him correctly, and that’s caused a lot of issues for whoever plays at right-back.”

Murphy, who made over 150 appearances for Liverpool, suggested Slot might have deliberately freed Salah from tracking back so he can stay high up the pitch — but warned that the tactic is “costing balance.”

“I can totally understand if Slot has told Salah not to track back,” he continued. “But the setup behind him isn’t right. It’s creating 2-v-1 overloads down that side. Chelsea exploited it — and others will too.”

Liverpool have now lost three games in a row across all competitions and sit one point behind league leaders Arsenal.

Despite the criticism, Murphy insisted there’s no need to panic yet, saying the team is still adjusting to Slot’s system after a busy summer of transfers.

“It’s not an unfixable issue. Once fitness levels and chemistry improve, they’ll be back to controlling games again,” he added.

Murphy’s comments have sparked debate among fans over whether Salah’s trademark freedom to stay forward is now a tactical risk rather than an attacking weapon.