Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has publicly voiced his frustration after being left on the bench for a third consecutive match, admitting that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has effectively broken down.
Salah, who was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road, delivered an extraordinary post-match interview in which he claimed he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club.
Salah, scorer of 250 goals in 420 appearances for the Reds, questioned why he had suddenly fallen out of favour.
“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus,” Salah said. “Someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship.”
Salah, 33, also revealed that he had received “promises” during the summer which he believes have not been kept. He insisted that his contributions to the club should have earned him more respect.
“I have done so much for this club. I earned my position. I don’t have to fight every day to prove myself,” he added.
Future in Doubt Ahead of AFCON
With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off on 15 December, Salah admitted he is unsure whether he will still be a Liverpool player when he returns.
“In football, you never know. I don’t accept this situation,” he said. “I love this club and I thought I would finish my career here, but this is not according to the plan.”
Liverpool are reportedly open-minded about his future amid renewed interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Hilal.
Slot Responds
Before Salah’s statements, manager Arne Slot told reporters that leaving the forward on the bench was a tactical decision.
“At 3-2 we wanted to control the game. Last week we needed a goal so I brought Mo on,” Slot said.
He acknowledged that Salah’s reduced minutes would generate conversation but maintained his respect for the forward, calling him “a top professional.”
Struggles Amid Changing Times
Despite an impressive 29-goal Premier League campaign last season that helped Liverpool win the title, Salah has struggled for form this term, scoring just four league goals in 13 appearances.
He has also started the last three league matches on the bench—his first such run in his career.
The tension now raises questions about whether Salah has played his final game for Liverpool, with the Egyptian set to depart for international duty next weekend.
