Mohamed Salah Expresses Frustration Over Liverpool's Handling of His Situation
Mohamed Salah has expressed feelings of being "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool, citing a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Arne Slot.
Salah remained an unused substitute during Saturday's 3-3 draw against Leeds United, marking the third consecutive match he has started on the bench.
In a candid interview following the game, the Egyptian forward, who has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool, stated, "It is very clear that somebody wants me to take all the blame. I have previously mentioned my good relationship with the manager, but now it seems we have no relationship at all. I don’t understand why this is happening. It feels like the club is throwing me under the bus."
Despite his frustrations, Salah affirmed his loyalty to the club, saying, "I will always support this club, and my children will support it too. I love this club immensely and always will. However, I find this situation unacceptable. I don’t see myself as the problem; I have contributed significantly to this club and earned my position without having to fight for it every day."
At 33 years old, Salah had an impressive season last year, scoring 29 goals in the Premier League as Liverpool clinched the title during Slot's inaugural season. However, he has struggled to find his form this season, netting just four goals in 13 league appearances.
Sources have informed BBC Sport that the Saudi Pro League remains interested in Salah, who signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April. Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, is reportedly among the clubs keen on acquiring him.
After the match against Leeds, where Liverpool initially led 2-0 and then 3-2 before conceding a last-minute equalizer, Slot explained his decision not to use Salah, stating, "It was more about controlling the game at 3-2, and we didn’t need another goal. Normally, when a goal is needed, like in last week’s match against Sunderland, I would bring Mo on."
In a pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot acknowledged the discussions surrounding Salah's absence from the starting lineup, saying, "The chatter is understandable; he deserves it. He has been incredibly influential for me and for the team over the past six or seven years. It’s completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn’t playing."
Salah, who ranks third on Liverpool's all-time scoring list behind Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285), last started in the 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven on November 26.