Mohamed Salah has openly expressed frustration over his treatment at Liverpool, claiming he has been “thrown under the bus” by the club and revealing that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down completely.
The 33-year-old Egypt international was left on the bench during Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road, marking the third consecutive match in which he has not started. His lack of involvement has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the club’s handling of their star forward.
Breakdown in relationship with Slot
After the match, Salah spoke candidly in an unusually blunt interview, accusing the club of positioning him to take the fall for recent poor results. “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he 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 he had “earned” his place in the squad through his performances and felt unfairly treated by the management and coaching staff alike. His statements reflect a growing tension within the club’s hierarchy and a potential clash between one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players and the coaching setup.
Future at Liverpool uncertain
Salah, who signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April 2025, admitted he is uncertain about his long-term future at Anfield, especially as he prepares to join the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations starting on 15 December. Despite his legendary status at the club, recent benchings and public criticism suggest that his time at Liverpool could be approaching a pivotal juncture.
Last season, Salah played a crucial role in helping Liverpool claim the Premier League title under Slot, scoring 29 league goals. However, this season, his form has dipped, with only four goals in 13 league appearances, raising questions about whether he can continue to carry the team’s attacking burden at the same level.
Saudi interest growing
Interest in Salah from the Saudi Pro League continues to grow, with clubs like Al-Hilal reportedly tracking the forward’s situation closely. Sources indicate that Liverpool remain “open-minded” about Salah’s future, leaving the door open for a potential transfer in the January window if tensions with Slot remain unresolved.
Slot explains decision to bench Salah
Arne Slot addressed the controversy surrounding Salah’s benching, explaining that tactical considerations were behind the decision. Slot emphasized that the team needed to maintain control when leading 3-2 and insisted that Salah remains a “top professional” despite the lack of minutes. However, the forward’s public remarks suggest that his confidence in the manager’s support has eroded significantly.
Legendary status but a sour ending?
Salah is currently third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals in 420 appearances. Since arriving from Roma in 2017, he has accumulated a remarkable haul of trophies, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Individually, he has earned four Premier League Golden Boots, equalling Thierry Henry’s record, and was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season.
Despite his accolades, Salah rarely speaks publicly in mixed zones, making his latest comments all the more significant. “I’m very disappointed. I have done so much for this club,” he said. “It seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.” The statements have sparked widespread discussion among fans, pundits, and former players, highlighting a growing divide between the forward and the club hierarchy.
With Salah set to depart for AFCON, many observers view his upcoming absence as a potential turning point in his Liverpool career. The key question now is whether he will return in January still committed to Liverpool or if this period of tension will lead to a permanent split, marking the beginning of the end for one of the club’s most iconic figures.