Mohamed Salah has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool, claiming he has been “thrown under the bus” and scapegoated for the club’s poor start to the Premier League season.
The 33-year-old, who remained an unused substitute during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road on 6 December, hinted that his time at Anfield may be nearing its end.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Salah said he felt betrayed by both the club’s leadership and manager Arne Slot.
“I’m very, very disappointed, to be fair. I have done so much for this club, everybody can see that over the years and especially last season,” he said.
“I don’t know, it seems like the club is throwing me under the bus. That’s how I feel. I think it’s very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in the summer, and nothing has happened.”
Despite signing a two-year contract extension in April and becoming one of Liverpool’s most iconic figures scoring 250 goals and winning two Premier League titles, Salah has been dropped to the bench for three successive league matches, playing just 45 minutes in that period.
Liverpool face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, fixtures that Salah suggested could mark a farewell of sorts.
“I called my mum and dad yesterday and told them to come to the Brighton game. It doesn’t matter if I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen now. I’m just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before going to the Africa Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what will happen when I’m there.”
Salah is due to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on 15 December.
Slot defended his decision to leave his star forward on the bench, insisting it was a tactical call.
“We were 2-0 up, we were 3-2 up. At that point, it was about controlling the game, and we didn’t need a goal,” he said.
“Last week against Sunderland, when we needed a goal, I brought Mo on. This time we needed different players, like Wataru Endo, to help see the game out.”
Salah scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists last season as Liverpool won the Premier League, but his numbers have dipped this time goals and three assists in 19 appearances as the team has struggled collectively.
He also hinted at a complete breakdown in communication with Slot.
“I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why. It seems someone doesn’t want me in the club,” Salah said.
Since arriving from Roma in 2017, Salah has become Liverpool’s third-highest goal scorer of all time, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
“I don’t think I’m the problem. I have done so much for this club with the respect I want to get,” he added. “I shouldn’t have to fight for my position every day. I’ve earned it.”
