According to British reports, the list included only 19 players, excluding Salah, following his controversial statements. He said the club ‘decided to sacrifice him’ and that his relationship with Dutch coach Slot ‘collapsed.’ A Western newspaper reported on Monday morning that the statements of Egypt’s national team captain Mohamed Salah sparked widespread anger within the Reds’ management, which insists on the necessity of the player issuing a public apology.
Mohamed Salah criticized how Liverpool treated him, saying ‘the title holder blames him for the current situation,’ after watching from the bench as his team drew 3-3 with Leeds United in the English Premier League last Saturday. In fiery comments after the match, the 33-year-old Egyptian attacked the club and its coach Arne Slot, hinting he might not stay long at Anfield. Salah told reporters in the mixed zone after the match, ‘I am very frustrated, honestly. I have given a lot to this club, and everyone has seen that over the years, especially last season.’
Having extended his contract last April for two more years, Salah became a prominent figure at Liverpool during his eight years at Anfield, winning the Premier League twice and scoring 250 goals in all competitions with the club. Despite this, Slot excluded him from the starting lineup in the last three matches, playing only 45 minutes.
Salah scored 34 goals and made 18 assists in 52 matches in all competitions last season. However, with his team’s struggles, he managed to score 5 goals and provide 3 assists in 19 matches this season. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has become the third top scorer in the club’s history, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, but he seems to feel that his era at Anfield might be nearing its end.
Salah said, ‘I do not think I am the problem. I have done a lot for this club, earning the respect I aspire to, and I do not have to fight daily for my position, because I have earned it deservedly.’
