Mohamed Salah Critiques Liverpool’s Treatment, Considers Exit

Mohamed Salah has expressed frustration with his treatment at Liverpool FC, indicating that he might consider a departure in the upcoming January transfer window. In a candid interview, Salah accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” as they struggle with poor form. This revelation came shortly after he was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds United.

In the seven-and-a-half-minute interview, Salah revealed that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has deteriorated. He feels scapegoated as “a problem” within the team. The Egypt international noted that this marks the first instance in his career where he has sat on the bench for consecutive Premier League matches, having previously started 53 straight games in the top flight.

“I could not believe I am sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “It’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career, I think. I am very disappointed; I have done so much for this club over the years, especially last season. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. Someone wants me to get all the blame.”

Salah also highlighted that the club had made promises to him during the summer, which he feels have not been honored. “Now I’m on the bench, so I can say they haven’t kept those promises,” he added. He expressed surprise at the sudden breakdown in his relationship with Slot, which he described as once being positive.

Looking ahead, Salah is set to represent Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations following Liverpool’s match against Brighton on October 28, 2023. “I told my parents to come to the Brighton game,” he mentioned. “It doesn’t matter if I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it. Just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup.”

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has netted 250 goals in 420 appearances, signing a two-year contract extension in April 2023 after a stellar season that helped secure the Premier League title for the club. However, this season has been less fruitful, with only five goals in 18 appearances across all competitions. Salah voiced his dissatisfaction with the lack of respect he feels he is receiving from the club.

“It’s not acceptable to me, to be fair,” he asserted. “If I was somewhere else, every club would protect its players. Now, it’s ‘Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in the team.’ I don’t think I am a problem. I am not fighting for my position every day because I have earned it.”

Salah’s comments come against a backdrop of speculation regarding his future, with reports linking him to a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. When asked about the possibility of joining Saudi Arabia in January, he responded cautiously. “I don’t want to answer that question because the club will take me in a different direction.”

Despite his current uncertainty, Salah remains committed to the fans and the club. “I have done so much for this club. I love the fans so much and love the club; I don’t know what is next,” he remarked. He reflected on his scoring record, stating that he has outperformed many in his generation since arriving in the Premier League.

He acknowledged the harsh reality of his situation, sharing his feelings about the criticism he might face. “Tomorrow, [former player and now pundit Jamie] Carragher is going to criticize me, but that’s fine,” he said.

Salah concluded the interview by addressing concerns over his contract extension, stating, “How bad do I have to answer that? Even the question hurts. I will never regret signing for this club. I thought I was signing and ending my career here. Now this is not according to the plan.”

The future remains uncertain for Mohamed Salah as he navigates this challenging period at Liverpool. His comments underscore a growing frustration that could impact not only his relationship with the club but also the trajectory of his career moving forward.