The fractured relationship between Mohamed Salah and Liverpool appears to be beyond repair following the forward's extraordinary public outburst after Saturday's 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. In a stunning seven-minute interview, the Egyptian star launched a fierce critique of the club's hierarchy and head coach Arne Slot, dramatically escalating tensions and hastening his probable departure from Anfield.
A Calculated Grenade Thrown at Liverpool's Hierarchy
While Salah may have been emotional after being named on the bench for the third consecutive Premier League match, his decision to stop and speak to waiting reporters was no spontaneous act. His words were a calculated challenge to the club's management, specifically sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG's chief executive of football Michael Edwards. Salah twice accused the club of "throwing him under the bus" for their dismal title defence and claimed "someone wants him out," a direct accusation that places immense pressure on the decision-makers at Anfield.
The situation carries echoes of Roy Keane's infamous 2005 MUTV interview that led to his Manchester United exit, though Keane's remarks were never broadcast. Salah's were delivered directly to the media, ensuring maximum impact. His revelation that there is no longer a relationship with head coach Arne Slot created an immediate and untenable situation for the Dutchman, who led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th league title just eight months ago.
Betrayal of the Dressing Room and Teammates
In his interview, Salah displayed a sense of entitlement, insisting he had earned the starting position that Slot has denied him in recent weeks. This stance directly undermines teammates like Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool's standout performer this season, who started in Salah's place against West Ham, Sunderland, and Leeds. It also contradicts captain Virgil van Dijk's recent comments about the need for everyone, regardless of status, to perform.
Van Dijk had stated he needed Salah "around as one of the leaders" following the Sunderland match. Salah's public airing of grievances was the antithesis of leadership; it was a self-indulgent act that betrayed the dressing room's unity. The club, which wanted a day to let the dust settle on Sunday, now faces a pivotal decision. Failure to respond emphatically risks completely undermining Slot's authority over the rest of the squad.
An Inevitable Parting of Ways
The path forward seems clear. It is now almost inconceivable that both Salah and Slot will remain at Liverpool until the Egyptian's contract expires in the summer of 2027. The club's next move will reveal who they are backing. With Salah 33 years old and showing a marked decline in form this season, the dilemma of choosing between a star player and the manager is less acute for the hierarchy.
Fenway Sports Group will be acutely aware of renewed Saudi Arabian interest, which is expected to ramp up in the January transfer window. While Liverpool rightly rejected a £150m bid from Al-Ittihad in September 2023, the temptation to cash in now is greater, especially if the proceeds—potentially over £65m—can be used to strengthen a squad that has gone backwards since last season's title win. The club spent almost £450m on that title-winning team, yet Hugo Ekitiké is the only summer signing to have made a noticeable impact.
Salah's interview, while divisive, resonated with some fans frustrated by Liverpool's season. He is correct that he should not be singled out when many are underperforming. Slot has consistently cited problems with set-pieces, defensive errors, and profligacy—the team has conceded 10 Premier League goals from set-pieces this term, including Ao Tanaka's 96th-minute equaliser at Leeds—but has failed to rectify them.
Regardless of the fallout, Salah will retain hero status at Anfield for his phenomenal contributions. However, an internal show of support for Slot would confirm the club believes he overstepped the mark. As Salah himself pondered in Leeds: "Somehow it will end. But the thing in my head is why it should end this way?" The answer, sadly, may be because he chose to end it this way.
