Egyptian Media Slams Slot for Scapegoating Salah Amid Liverpool Exit
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has faced fierce criticism from Egyptian media outlets, who have accused him of making Mohamed Salah a "scapegoat" during the club's recent slump in results. The controversy erupted after Salah was left out of the starting lineup and not used as a substitute in Liverpool's 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final last week.
Salah's Exclusion Sparks Outrage
Slot clarified that he did not introduce Salah during the match in Paris because he was concerned about the margin widening further. However, this decision was badly received in Egypt, with some domestic media portraying it as a form of humiliation. Local journalist Magdy Salama, of Sada El-Balad and Al Qahera News, told Foot Mercato that he believes the reasoning is more sinister, suggesting Salah "deserved better treatment" and respect from Liverpool's coaching staff.
Salama argued that Salah's exclusion at the Parc des Princes was an instance of him being made "a scapegoat for the team's poor performances." This sentiment has been echoed widely in Egyptian press, with many outlets tearing into Slot's decision as unfair and disrespectful to the forward, who is poised to depart Anfield at the end of the season.
Broader Context and Salah's Own Comments
The scapegoating allegations align with sentiments Salah himself expressed in an unusually candid outburst in December. Following a frustrating 3-3 draw against Leeds, where he was also axed, Salah claimed he had been "thrown under the bus" and felt betrayed by the club. He stated, "Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."
He added that promises made in the summer had not been kept, and his relationship with the manager had deteriorated unexpectedly. These comments have resurfaced in light of the recent events, fueling the narrative that Salah is being unfairly targeted.
Liverpool's Form and Future Prospects
Despite the controversy, Salah marked his return to the starting XI with a goal in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, improving his prospects for the crucial second leg against PSG on Tuesday. Liverpool must win by a minimum of two goals to force extra time, and Slot will ultimately decide whether Salah gets the opportunity to make a greater impact.
Some analysts, including the same Egyptian journalist, have pointed to other factors contributing to Liverpool's dip in form, such as:
- The exits of Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer
- A weaker midfield compared to the previous season
These elements suggest that blaming Salah alone may be an oversimplification of the team's struggles. As the season nears its end, with Salah's departure confirmed, calls for him to be a scapegoat are likely to persist, but Egyptian media remains vocal in his defence, arguing for fairer treatment and recognition of his contributions to the club.
