LIVERPOOL — Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star forward, has voiced his frustrations after being left on the bench for the third consecutive match, claiming he feels “thrown under the bus” by the club. Following a disappointing 3-3 draw against Leeds United on Saturday, Salah expressed concern over his relationship with head coach Arne Slot.
In a revealing statement to reporters, Salah alleged that “someone wanted [him] to get all of the blame” for Liverpool’s recent struggles, which has seen the team slip to seventh place in the Premier League standings, compounded by a four-match winless streak.
The Egypt captain, who has achieved a remarkable milestone of 250 goals in 420 appearances for the Reds, indicated that his unexpected exclusion from the starting lineup has led him to question his future with the club.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah stated emphatically. “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 to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
Salah, 33, who recently signed a two-year contract extension in April, reported feelings of betrayal, insisting he has “done so much for the club” and should not have to “fight every day” for his position, especially after seven standout years at Liverpool.
Despite finishing the 2024–25 Premier League season with 29 goals, Salah has struggled this season, netting only four league goals and last starting in a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on November 26.
Slot, addressing the media prior to Salah’s remarks, defended his decision to bench the forward, claiming it was a strategic choice to “control the game” and denying it was based on Salah’s performance. The Dutch manager acknowledged the “chatter” surrounding Salah but maintained that it is “normal” given the forward’s long-term contributions to the club.
The Saudi Pro League has continually shown interest in signing Salah, with reports indicating that Al Hilal is among the clubs closely monitoring his situation. According to sources, Liverpool is reportedly “open-minded” about Salah’s future.
In a poignant moment during an extended interview, Salah revealed the emotional toll of the situation on him. “After what I’ve done for this club, it really hurts,” he said. “In my head, I’m going to enjoy the Brighton game because I don’t know what is going to happen now.”
When asked whether he has played his last game for Liverpool, Salah replied, “In football you never know. I don’t accept this situation.” He lamented the deterioration of his relationship with Slot: “It was a very good relationship and now all of a sudden there is no relationship.”
Despite the tensions, Salah emphasized his continued support from teammates and reiterated his love for the club and its supporters, stating, “I love the club so much and I always will. But I don’t know what is going to happen next.” — BBC