Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has dropped a bombshell by suggesting his time at Anfield could be over, accusing the club of throwing him "under the bus" and making him a scapegoat for their poor early-season form.
Salah's Bench Frustration Boils Over
The Egyptian forward, a four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, expressed deep frustration after being left out of the starting line-up for the third consecutive match during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. Salah did not make an appearance off the bench in the match, a situation he described as unprecedented in his career.
"I can't believe I'm sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," Salah stated. "The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed." He pointed to his contributions last season, where he was instrumental in Liverpool's title win and swept individual awards, questioning why his role has changed so dramatically.
A Broken Relationship and a Potential Farewell
Salah revealed a significant breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot, hinting at external pressures within the club. "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," he said. "It seems to me that someone doesn't want me in the club."
He strongly suggested that next Saturday's home game against Brighton & Hove Albion could be his Anfield farewell before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. "In my head, I'm going to enjoy that game because I don't know what is going to happen now," Salah explained. "I will be in 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."
Feeling Betrayed After Summer Promise
The 31-year-old, who signed a lucrative two-year contract extension only last summer, feels betrayed by the club's treatment. "I got a lot of promises and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can't say they have kept the promise," he asserted.
Salah believes he is being unfairly singled out for criticism while the team struggles, contrasting his treatment with that of other top players like Harry Kane during goal droughts. He has scored four Premier League goals this season, but his defensive work has been criticised as Liverpool's title defence has stuttered.
While there has been longstanding interest from the Saudi Pro League, Salah refused to be drawn on a specific destination, only stating that "the club is going to take me to a different direction." His comments represent the most serious public rift between a key player and the club in recent years, casting a major shadow over Liverpool's season.
