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Beth Lindop
Mohamed Salah has indicated that he may be leaving Liverpool in January, expressing feelings of being “thrown under the bus” by the club amidst a troubling run of performances.
During a candid seven-and-a-half minute interview on Saturday, the Egypt international opened up about a deteriorating relationship with head coach Arne Slot, stating he feels scapegoated for the situation affecting the Premier League champions.
Salah was left on the bench as Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds United on Saturday, having also been benched against West Ham United and Sunderland.
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This marks the first time in his Liverpool tenure Salah has been benched for consecutive Premier League matches, having previously started 53 consecutive top-flight games before the recent matches.
“I was shocked to be sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah remarked. “That’s happened three times now. It’s unprecedented in my career. I’m very disappointed, especially given what I’ve contributed to this club over the years, particularly last season. It feels as though the club has thrown me under the bus.”
“It seems like they’re trying to put all the blame on me. The club had made promises to me over the summer, and now I find myself on the bench, which leads me to believe those promises haven’t been kept. My relationship with Slot has fallen apart; I’m unsure why. It seems like there are people who don’t want me at the club anymore.”
Salah is set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool’s upcoming home game against Brighton next Saturday.
“I spoke to my parents and invited them to the Brighton match,” Salah continued. “Regardless of whether I play, I plan to enjoy it. I want to be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans before heading to Africa, as I’m uncertain about what the future holds then.”
With 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool, Salah had signed a two-year contract extension in April after an exceptional season that played a crucial role in securing the Premier League title. However, he has only netted five goals in 18 appearances this season and feels he’s not receiving the respect he deserves from the club.
“This situation is unacceptable to me,” he stated. “In any other club, players are protected. But here, it feels like ‘let’s throw Mo under the bus’ as though I’m the issue. I don’t believe I am a problem. I’m not fighting for my position daily because I’ve earned it. While I’m not larger than the club, I have certainly earned my place.”
“The reality is what it is. In football, anything can happen. But I refuse to accept this current situation. I’ve done so much for this club, and it genuinely hurts. I know the club very well after all these years. Tomorrow, [former player and now pundit Jamie] Carragher might criticize me, but that’s perfectly fine.”
Salah has been speculated to be a target for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in the past.
When asked about a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League in January, Salah replied, “I prefer not to answer that question, as the club may perceive it differently.”
“I’ve invested so much in this club and truly love the fans and the team. However, I’m unclear about what lies ahead. Since joining the Premier League, I’ve been among the top scorers. I don’t believe anyone has outscored me during this time. For instance, Harry Kane went through a dry spell for ten games yet received media support, whereas I’m told I need to sit on the bench.”
He expressed, “I don’t know whether there’s a desire for me to leave. Please don’t misquote me. That’s just how I sense things are. I’ve inquired but haven’t received clarity. I anticipated not playing, and it’s just something I have to accept. Arne informed me during our meeting yesterday; he understands how I feel.”
When asked if he regrets signing the contract extension, Salah answered, “It’s painful to even contemplate that. I will never regret my decision to sign with this club. I envisioned concluding my career here, but this reality isn’t aligning with that vision.”
“In my mind, I question why things have turned out this way. Just five months ago, I was celebrating awards; why am I experiencing this now? While the entire team is underperforming, I’m the one facing scrutiny. My rapport with Slot has completely changed; we once had a strong bond, but now that’s no longer the case. I don’t feel let down by my teammates; they know how much I care for and support them. There’s a lot of love among us.”