Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has sensationally suggested his time at Anfield could be over, accusing the club of throwing him "under the bus" and making him a scapegoat for their faltering Premier League title defence.
Benched and Betrayed: Salah's Astonishing Attack
The Egyptian forward, a four-time Premier League golden boot winner, expressed deep hurt and frustration after being left on the bench for the third consecutive match during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. "I can't believe I'm sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," Salah said. "The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed."
In a remarkable post-match interview, the 31-year-old claimed the club had broken promises made when he signed a lucrative two-year contract extension just this summer. "I got a lot of promises and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can't say they have kept the promise," he stated, calling the situation "not acceptable."
A Fractured Relationship and a Potential Farewell
Salah revealed his previously strong relationship with manager Arne Slot has completely broken down. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship," he explained. "I don't know why, but it seems to me that someone doesn't want me in the club."
He strongly hinted that next Saturday's home game against Brighton & Hove Albion could be his Anfield farewell before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup," Salah revealed, adding ominously, "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there." When pressed if the Brighton match would be his last, he replied, "In football you never know."
Feeling Like a Scapegoat After Historic Success
The forward, who was both the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year last season as Liverpool won the league, feels he is being unfairly blamed for the team's poor start. With just four league goals this term, his form has been criticised, but Salah believes he is being singled out.
"It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling," he said. "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame... How I see it now is like you throw Mo under the bus because he is the problem in the team now. But I don't think I am the problem."
He contrasted his treatment with that of other stars, citing Harry Kane's goal droughts being met with support, while his own dips prompt calls for him to be benched. Salah also anticipates further criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher, saying "that's fine."
While there has been long-standing interest from the Saudi Pro League, Salah refused to be drawn on a potential destination, simply stating, "I don't want to answer this question, because the club is going to take me to a different direction." Despite the acrimony, he insisted he does not regret signing his new contract, but admitted his plan to end his career at Liverpool has been shattered. "Somehow it will end," he concluded, "but the thing in my head is like why it should end this way?"
