Micah Richards has explained why he thinks Mohamed Salah has struggled lately (Image: GETTY)
Micah Richards has explained why he thinks has been struggling to hit his usual levels in recent matches. He has arguably been the world’s best player this season, having contributed with 32 goals and 22 assists for in all competitions. However, the Egyptian’s latest displays have been fairly underwhelming by his own high standards.
Salah had very little impact as were beaten by in the Carabao Cup final over the weekend. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak helped the Magpies to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years, with only halving the deficit in stoppage time via Federico Chiesa. It came just days after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, who edged through on penalties.
Salah was relatively quiet against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final (Image: GETTY)
It came just days after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, who edged past the Reds on penalties. Salah was also kept relatively quiet in that game and Richards believes his dip in form could be down to his religious practices.
The winger follows Islam and has been observing Ramadan, the holy month in which many Muslims go without food or water from sunrise to sunset. It started on February 28 and will last until March 30, meaning it will be over by ‘s next game on April 2.
Speaking on the podcast, Richards said: “Don’t forget, Salah is in Ramadan now as well where he’s fasting. It’s only normal that he’s not going to have the same energy levels as when he can eat.
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“For him to be actually on that pitch playing at that level is absolutely outstanding just to be there, you know. I think this team is so reliant on Salah, expecting a worldie from him, a penalty, a free kick, whatever it may be.
“I just thought from ‘s point of view the performance was a bit flat. Maybe it was psychologically from the PSG result.”
Salah will be hoping to rediscover his usual form as quickly as possible, with hoping to wrap up the Premier League title after the international break. They lead by a margin of 12 points and look firmly set to lift the trophy for the first time since 2020.
If they manage to see it through, it will be their only major honour of the campaign having been eliminated from the Champions League and FA Cup before losing to in the Carabao Cup final.