Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah for three straight matches has triggered a bitter public reaction from the Egyptian forward, who says he feels scapegoated by Liverpool.
The issue came to a head following the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday when Salah refused to play down his frustrations at not featuring in the game.
After claiming that he had done “so much for this club”, he accused Liverpool of breaking promises made over the summer, thus putting his future at Anfield in doubt in the process.
Salah publicly questions his treatment, future
Salah told reporters that he was “very, very disappointed” after spending the entire match on the bench.
He said the club appeared to have “thrown me under the bus”, suggesting that someone had internally decided to make him the scapegoat for Liverpool’s poor start to the season.
The Egypt international moreover revealed a breakdown in his relationship with Slot and admitted that after eight years at Anfield – during which time he has helped the club win numerous major trophies – he no longer understands why he is being treated this way.
Asked whether the next home game against Brighton & Hove Albion might be his final appearance, Salah simply said he has invited his family to the match, reflecting the uncertainty over his continued presence on Merseyside.
Club stance and explanation from Slot
The club has, by all accounts, backed Slot in defending the decision to leave Salah on the bench.
According to the Dutchman, tactical considerations and the state of play in recent games have informed the choice, rather than any lack of respect or recognition of Salah’s past contributions.
Slot further insisted that the team needed “different players” during recent results, pointing to shifting dynamics instead of personal issues.
“It was more about controlling the game [at 3-2] and we didn’t need a goal,” Slot had explained before Salah’s interview.
“Normally, when you need a goal – like last week against Sunderland – I brought Mo on.
“We have to accept the situation we are in. The short-term future of Mo is he goes to the AFCON, but first we play Inter and Brighton.”
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