Mohamed Salah has delivered some bombshell comments after being named on the Liverpool bench for the last three Premier League games.
Mohamed Salah has made striking remarks about Liverpool and manager Arne Slot that bear resemblance to comments Cristiano Ronaldo made during his final period at Manchester United.
Salah remained on the substitutes’ bench throughout Liverpool’s 3-3 stalemate with newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road.
It marked the third consecutive match in which the 33-year-old has been named amongst the substitutes. It comes as both the player and Liverpool find themselves unable to replicate the form of the previous campaign, during which they secured the Premier League title,
In remarks to reporters in the mixed zone following the fixture, Salah delivered some startling observations regarding his current circumstances. “I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” he said.
“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.”
The remarks echo similar sentiments expressed by former United star Ronaldo during a conversation with broadcaster Piers Morgan in November 2022, whilst away on international duty with Portugal before the World Cup. The striker was highly critical of then-manager Erik ten Hag.
“I have no respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me,” he said.
“Some people, they don’t want me here – not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.
“Honestly, I shouldn’t say that. But listen, I don’t care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed.”
Ronaldo departed United by mutual agreement just days following the broadcast of that interview. He subsequently signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr the following January, where he continues to play.
The future of Salah at Liverpool remains uncertain. The forward is expected to join Egypt for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in just over a week’s time.
