Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has ignited a major storm
at Anfield after accusing the club of betraying him and suggesting his time
with the Reds may be drawing to a close.
The 33-year-old Egyptian delivered a blistering
post-match outburst after being left on the bench during Liverpool’s dramatic
3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday — the third consecutive game he has
started as a substitute.
Speaking in the mixed zone, a visibly frustrated Salah
said he felt scapegoated for Liverpool’s poor start to the season despite his
long-standing contributions.
“I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done
so much for this club; everybody can see that during the years and especially
last season,” Salah began.
“I don’t know… it seems like the club is throwing me
under the bus. That’s how I felt. I think it’s very clear someone wants me to
get all the blame. The club made a lot of promises in the summer — nothing so
far.”
Salah, who signed a two-year extension in April and is
widely considered one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, has endured a
subdued campaign by his standards. After scoring 34 goals with 18 assists last
season, he has only five goals and three assists in 19 appearances this term.
Despite his status, manager Arne Slot has kept him out
of the starting XI in recent weeks — a decision Salah believes signals deeper
issues.
“I MAY SAY GOODBYE” — SALAH PREPARES FOR
ANFIELD FAREWELL
The Egyptian captain hinted strongly that he may be
preparing to bid farewell to the Anfield faithful sooner than expected.
“I called my mum and dad yesterday. I told them to
come to the Brighton game — it doesn’t matter if I play or not. In my head, I’m
going to enjoy that game,” Salah said.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen now… I’m just
going to be in Anfield, 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 set to join Egypt’s AFCON squad on December
15.
SLOT DEFENDS BENCHING SALAH
Addressing the controversy, Liverpool manager Arne
Slot insisted his decision was purely tactical.
“We were 2-0 up, we were 3-2 up. At that moment it was
about controlling the game. We didn’t need a goal,” Slot said.
He added that he turns to Salah only when the team
needs an attacking push.
“Normally, when you need a goal — like last week
against Sunderland — I brought Mo on. But today we needed different players
like Wataru Endo to help see the game out.”
Slot also acknowledged that Salah’s future remains
uncertain:
“We have to accept the situation we are in. The
short-term future of Mo is AFCON, but before that we play Inter Milan.”
RELATIONSHIP BROKEN DOWN
Salah confirmed that his relationship with Slot has
deteriorated significantly.
“I had a good relationship with the manager, and all
of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why,” he said.
“To me, it seems someone doesn’t want me in the club.
I don’t think I’m the problem. I have earned my place.”
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has scored 250
goals and won two Premier League titles, becoming the club’s third-highest
scorer of all time — behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
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