Mohamed Salah claimed Liverpool had thrown him ‘under the bus’ and that his relationship with Arne Slot had broken down after being benched for the third straight game in the 3-3 draw with Leeds
Mohamed Salah caused chaos on Saturday night when he stated that Liverpool had ‘thrown him under a bus’ and that his relationship with Arne Slot had completely deteriorated. The Reds’ star player, who was left on the bench for a third consecutive game by Slot in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United, has now hinted at a dramatic mid-season departure with the January transfer window just weeks away.
His scathing comments represent the latest – and possibly most significant – challenge for Liverpool and Slot during what has been a particularly difficult period.
While some have criticised Salah for effectively declaring war on Slot after losing his place in the Dutchman’s team, his national team manager, Hossam Hassan, appears to have supported his player on social media.
READ MORE: Egypt FA send clear Mohamed Salah message after bombshell Liverpool interview
Following Salah’s explosive post-match interview, Hassan posted a photo of himself and the Egyptian forward on Instagram with the caption: “Always a symbol of determination and strength.”
Regrettably for Liverpool, Salah’s remarks suggest that his relationship with club boss Slot is far from harmonious.
Beginning his fiery post-match message, Salah stated: “I don’t know what to say (after Leeds fought back to clinch a draw). It’s kind of funny, I couldn’t believe it. It’s a disappointing result for us as a team. We conceded silly goals. I could not help my team-mates because I am on the bench.
“I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think.
“I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season, it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.
“That’s how I feel it. Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench, so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.
“I used to have a good relationship (with Slot). Now we don’t have any relationship and I don’t know why. (It) seems like someone does not want me in the club. I called my mum and dad and told them to come to the Brighton game.
“It doesn’t matter if I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it. I am just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.
“It’s not acceptable to me to be fair. If I was somewhere else,every club would protect its players. Now it’s: ‘Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in a team’.
“I don’t think I am a problem. I am not fighting for my position every day because I have earned it. I am not bigger than the club. I am not bigger than anything. But I have earned it.”
Speaking specifically about Slot, he added: “There is no relationship (with Slot). It was a very good relationship. Now there is no relationship. No, no, I don’t feel let down by my team-mates, these guys, they know how much I love them.
“They know how much I support them, even inside before the game, after the game.”
