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Salah accuses Liverpool of scapegoating after third straight bench appearance
Mohamed Salah publicly criticized Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and the club on Thursday, claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" after being left out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive Premier League match. The 33-year-old forward, who ranks third on Liverpool's all-time scoring list with 250 goals, made the remarks before the team's match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Salah's frustration boils over amid Liverpool's struggles
Salah's outburst comes as Liverpool attempt to end a poor run of nine defeats in their last 12 games. Slot has experimented with formations and personnel, including benching Salah, to address defensive vulnerabilities. The team has conceded 24 goals in 15 league matches this season, compared to 41 in the entire previous campaign.
The Egyptian forward, who won last season's Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year and Premier League Golden Boot, questioned why he was being singled out for criticism while other underperforming players escaped scrutiny. He did not name specific individuals but implied that someone within the club wanted him out.
Performance decline and tactical shifts fuel controversy
Salah's form has dipped this season, with only five goals in 16 starts across all competitions, a stark contrast to his 34-goal haul during Liverpool's title-winning campaign last year. His defensive contributions have also been questioned, with opponents like Chelsea targeting Liverpool's right flank, where Salah was perceived as less engaged defensively.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock highlighted the impact of Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid, noting that the full-back's line-breaking passes had previously created space for Salah. Alexander-Arnold delivered 147 such passes to Salah last season, the highest for any Premier League teammate.
Salah pointed to other underperforming players, including Cody Gakpo and summer signing Florian Wirtz, who has struggled since his £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite this, Salah remains the most high-profile player to be sidelined.
Slot defends decisions as Liverpool adapt to life without Salah
Slot has publicly praised Salah's professionalism, even as the player suggested their relationship is irreparably damaged. The Dutch coach has emphasized pragmatism, prioritizing results over sentiment. Since dropping Salah, Liverpool have secured two wins and two draws, including a crucial Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
Tactically, Slot has experimented with formations, deploying Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank and using a diamond midfield in Milan. These adjustments have reduced Liverpool's defensive frailties, though the long-term impact of Salah's absence remains uncertain.
"No matter if he plays well or if he doesn't play well, if he plays or doesn't play, he will always be that top professional."
Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach
What's next for Salah and Liverpool?
Salah is set to join Egypt's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations after Liverpool's match against Brighton on Saturday. His future at Anfield remains unclear, with reconciliation appearing difficult. While Liverpool are unlikely to cancel his contract, they would demand a significant fee for a player of his stature.
The debate over Salah's treatment will continue, with supporters divided over whether his exclusion was justified or an unfair slight against one of the club's greatest players.
