Mohamed Salah’s explosive rant hints at a Liverpool exit, criticising manager Arne Slot after being benched and feeling betrayed by the club
LEEDS: Mohamed Salah has launched a stunning public attack on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, strongly hinting his legendary Anfield career could be over.
The Egyptian forward claimed he has been “thrown under the bus” by the club during their recent slump in form.
Salah was left on the bench for a third straight game in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds and was not used as a substitute.
“I’m very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season,” Salah told reporters at Elland Road.
“Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.”
He suggested next weekend’s home match against Brighton could be his farewell before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I will be at 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.”
Salah, 33, is Liverpool’s third-highest all-time scorer with 250 goals and a key figure in their recent trophy successes.
His form has dipped this season, however, with just five goals in 19 appearances amid the team’s wider struggles.
Liverpool have won only two of their last 10 Premier League games, slipping to eighth in the table.
Manager Arne Slot defended his team selection, stating the Leeds game required control rather than a goal-scoring substitution.
“It was more about controlling the game and we didn’t need a goal,” said Slot.
“Normally when you need a goal, like last week against Sunderland, I brought Mo on.”
Salah’s outburst revives intense speculation about a potential January transfer, with the Saudi Pro League a long-standing suitor.
He signed a lucrative new two-year contract last April after helping Liverpool win a record-equalling 20th league title. – AFP
