Mohamed Salah has criticised Liverpool manager Arne Slot in a strongly worded outburst that has raised fresh doubts about his future at Anfield. The Egyptian forward accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” following a run of games in which he has been left out of the starting lineup.
Salah remained on the bench for the third consecutive match during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United on Saturday and was not brought on at any point, despite Liverpool conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.
Speaking to reporters at Elland Road, Salah said next weekend’s home game against Brighton — his last before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations — could be his final appearance for the club.
“I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season,” he said.
“Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.
“I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games, so I can’t say they kept the promise. 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.”
Salah added that he had invited his family to attend the Brighton match, uncertain whether he would play but prepared to “enjoy it” in case it becomes his farewell.
“In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
Salah, Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer with 250 goals in 420 appearances since joining in 2017, has struggled this season, scoring five goals in 19 matches. Liverpool have also faltered, winning only two of their last ten Premier League games and dropping to eighth place.
Slot defended his decision to keep Salah on the bench, insisting the game situation did not call for attacking changes.
“It was more about controlling the game [at 3-2] and we didn’t need a goal,” Slot said. “Normally when you need a goal, like last week against Sunderland, I brought Mo on.”
Amid speculation linking Salah to the Saudi Pro League, the January transfer window may present an opportunity for his exit. He signed a new two-year deal in April after helping Liverpool secure their record-equalling 20th league title.
Salah is expected to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations after the Brighton fixture.
