Mohamed Salah says he feels he has been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool, adding that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has collapsed.
The Egypt forward was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United, the third consecutive match he has started on the bench.
Breakdown in relationship with Slot
After the match, Salah delivered an unusually blunt interview, claiming he was being positioned to take the blame for Liverpool’s struggles.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah said.
“I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
Salah added that the situation had become “unacceptable,” insisting that he had “earned” his position in the squad and felt unfairly treated.
Future at Liverpool uncertain
The 33-year-old, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, admitted he is unsure about his long-term future at Anfield as he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations from 15 December.
Salah scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool won the title under Slot. However, he has struggled to reproduce that form, scoring only four league goals in 13 appearances this term.
Saudi interest growing
Salah remains a prime target for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal among the clubs tracking him. Liverpool are said to be “open-minded” about his future amid renewed interest from the region.
Slot explains decision to bench Salah
Slot defended his decision not to introduce Salah at Elland Road, saying the team needed to “control the game” when leading 3-2.
He acknowledged the interest around Salah’s benching but maintained that the forward remains a “top professional.”
Legendary status but a sour ending?
Salah is third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals in 420 appearances. Since joining from Roma in 2017, he has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
He has also collected four Premier League Golden Boots, matching Thierry Henry’s record, and won last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Salah rarely stops to speak in the mixed zone, making his latest remarks even more significant. “I’m very disappointed. I have done so much for this club,” he said on Saturday. “It seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
Unless the situation changes quickly, Salah’s impending departure to AFCON may mark the beginning of the end.
The key question now is whether he returns in January as a Liverpool player, or whether the breakdown becomes permanent.