Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah expressed feeling “thrown under the bus” after being benched during his team’s two squandered leads in a 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday.
The 33-year-old Egyptian criticized the club and coach Arne Slot, telling reporters he felt scapegoated for the season’s poor start and hinted his time at Anfield may be limited.
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Salah has become an icon in his eight-year tenure at Anfield, claiming two Premier League titles and scoring 250 goals in all competitions for the club.
“I’m very disappointed. I’ve given so much to this club; everyone can see that, particularly last season,” Salah told reporters post-match.
“It feels like the club is throwing me under the bus. That’s my perception and my experience.”
“It seems clear someone wants to blame me. The club made many promises in the summer, yet nothing has materialized.”
Last season, Salah scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 52 matches, but amid his team’s struggles, he has tallied five goals and three assists in 19 games this season.
The forward suggested his relationship with Slot has deteriorated entirely.
“I had a good relationship with the manager, and suddenly it’s gone. I don’t understand why; it feels like someone doesn’t want me here,” he remarked.
Since joining Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017, Salah is the club’s third-highest scorer behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, but he seems to feel his time on Merseyside is nearing its end.
“I don’t believe I’m the issue. I have contributed significantly to this club and deserve respect. I shouldn’t have to fight for my position every day,” Salah stated.
“I’m unsure of what will happen next, so I’ll just stay at Anfield, say goodbye to the fans before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t know what will happen there… it’s unacceptable to me. I don’t understand why this happens, always to me.”
