Tension between Mohamed Salah and Liverpool has spilled into the open, with the Egyptian star admitting he now feels sidelined at the club and completely disconnected from head coach Arne Slot.
Salah was again left out of action in Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds United, making it three straight matches he has started from the bench. For a player who has delivered 250 goals in 420 appearances for the Reds, the recent treatment has clearly struck a nerve.
Speaking after the match, Salah poured out his frustration. “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. 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. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.”
Even with the bitterness surrounding the situation, Salah stressed that his connection to Liverpool remains deeply personal. “This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I always will.” Still, he made it clear that what is happening behind the scenes is not something he can accept. “It is not acceptable to me. I don’t get it. It’s like I’m being thrown more under the bus. I don’t think I’m the problem. I have done so much for this club.”
The forward also rejected the idea that he must constantly re-earn his place in the team. “I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position. It’s football. It is what it is.”
With the Africa Cup of Nations set to begin on December 15, Salah admitted there is now uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield, despite signing a fresh two-year contract with Liverpool only in April.
