Salah Feels Abandoned
Mohamed Salah says Liverpool no longer protect him and claims his relationship with Arne Slot has broken down. He stays on the bench for all 90 minutes during the 3-3 draw at Leeds. It marks his third straight match without a start. After the game, he says the club place all blame on him. He says he once enjoyed open communication with Slot. Now he says that connection is gone. He says he cannot explain the sudden collapse. He believes someone at the club wants him pushed aside.
Salah says he loves Liverpool deeply and will always support it. He says his children feel the same. He calls the situation unacceptable. He says he feels thrown under the bus. He insists he is not the problem. He says he has delivered too much to face this treatment. He says he earned his position. He says he should not fight for it every day. He says he behaves with respect. He says football can be cruel.
He will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on 15 December. He says he does not know what happens next, even after signing a two-year extension in April. He scored 29 league goals last season when Liverpool won the title. This season he has scored four times in 13 league matches. He joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017 and became central to their success.
Saudi clubs still want him. Al-Hilal show strong interest. Liverpool leaders say they stay open-minded.
Slot Explains the Decision
Liverpool lose a 2-0 lead and a 3-2 lead at Leeds. Slot says he kept Salah on the bench to control the match. He says he uses Salah when he needs a goal. He says the debate around Salah is normal. He says Salah shaped the club for many seasons. He says such players always attract noise. Salah last started in the 4-1 loss to Eindhoven in November.
Analysis: Squad Stunned by His Words
If Salah has played his last Liverpool match, he leaves as an icon. He has 188 Premier League goals for the club. Only three players have more in league history. He won the league’s top player award last season. He produced 29 goals and 18 assists. His contract story dominated last year until he renewed in April. This season he has five goals in 19 matches. He ended a run of 53 straight league starts. Slot says he still behaves like a top professional.
Salah rarely stops to speak to reporters. His choice to do so at Elland Road surprises many. He reacted the same way last year when he felt uncertain. Team-mates were shocked then and feel the same now.
He says he has given everything to Liverpool. He says someone wants him gone. He says he won every major trophy with the club. He sits behind Rush and Hunt on the all-time list. He now faces a painful moment. He will soon leave for the Africa Cup. The question is whether he returns as a Liverpool player.
Salah Opens Up Fully
Salah says he could not believe he stayed on the bench all match. He says the 3-3 draw hurts because Liverpool should win such games. He says they started well. He says they conceded soft goals again. He says he does not blame team-mates. He says the defence must improve.
He says three games on the bench is new for him. He says he feels deeply disappointed. He says he offered too much for this treatment. He repeats he feels pushed under the bus. He says the club made promises in the summer. He says none were honoured.
He says he once had a strong bond with Slot. He says that bond has vanished. He says he does not know why. He says he believes someone wants him out. He says he still loves the supporters. He says he told his mother he would not start. He says he invited her to the Brighton match. He says he does not know what comes next. He says he might say goodbye before the Africa Cup.
He says the situation is unacceptable. He says he does not understand the thinking. He says other clubs protect their stars. He says Liverpool treat him as the issue. He says he earned respect. He says football can be harsh.
Asked if it is his final match, he says nothing is certain. He praises Haaland. He says he hurts more because he still leads the scoring charts. He expects criticism from former players.
He avoids questions about Saudi clubs. He says the club will twist his words. He says the rift might still heal. He says he still loves Liverpool.
He says he produced more goals and assists than anyone in his era. He says other clubs back their stars. He mentions Kane’s goal drought. He says Kane kept trust. He says he never receives similar support. He jokes that he apologises to Kane.
He says he does not know who wants him out. He says he has no names. He says he asked for answers. He says none came. He says Slot told him he would not play. He says Slot knows his feelings. He says he does not regret signing his deal. He says he hoped to retire at Liverpool. He says that dream now feels lost.
He says he is too fit for such an ending. He says he won major awards recently. He says this downturn has no clear reason. He says all players dip at times. He says he now feels isolated.
He says he will not speak with Slot again. He says something changed behind the scenes. He says team-mates support him strongly. He says he guides them. He says he respects them fully.
