In the concluded Premier League Matchweek 15, Liverpool was held to a 3-3 draw by Leeds United. Salah was left out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game and failed to get any playing time. After the match, Salah made explosive remarks in an interview, claiming he was "being used as the team's scapegoat" and “did not think he was the problem.”
The last time Mohamed Salah publicly expressed dissatisfaction with being benched at Liverpool, he only said seven words.
"If I speak, I’ll definitely get into trouble," he stated while waiting to come on as a substitute after a dispute with Jürgen Klopp at the London Stadium against West Ham United in April 2024.
But on Saturday night, as the Egyptian forward walked out of the away dressing room at Elland Road and straight towards reporters, it was clear he had no intention of staying silent this time.
He stopped, with plenty to say. In his over eight years at Liverpool, he had never given such a long interview to the British media.
It was a calculated move, and he pulled no punches.
He talked about feeling "abandoned" by Liverpool, the club’s repeated failure to keep promises since he signed a new two-year contract in April, and how he had become a scapegoat for the defending champions’ struggles this season.
Even before anyone asked about Arne Slot, he voluntarily stated that his relationship with the Dutchman had completely broken down, and revealed he had invited his parents to watch next Saturday’s home game against Brighton, admitting it might be his farewell game at Anfield because “someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
He hinted at a possible January transfer. His words were highly provocative.
This was not an angry rant. The club’s third-highest goalscorer remained calm and composed throughout. "Thank you all," he said after the 7.5-minute explosive speech.
As Salah left, chaos blazed in his wake.
Yes, his pride has been severely hurt, and you can understand why he feels wronged. He was the only player who started in the team’s heavy home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven but was then benched.
Salah could only watch as Ibrahima Konaté made repeated mistakes, puzzled by why he was being treated so differently. Cody Gakpo’s situation is similar—his performances on the left flank have been underwhelming, yet he has somehow retained his place.
But this still doesn’t justify Salah losing his temper.
He was fully aware of the impact his words would have, and lashing out so fiercely after Liverpool squandered leads of 2-0 and 3-2 at Elland Road was selfish and disrespectful. It only brings more negative attention to the club during this difficult time.
Salah’s last interview with the British media was over a year ago, when he made his famous claim that he was "more likely to leave than stay" after Liverpool’s victory at Southampton, as he waited for a new contract. The remarks were intended to apply pressure on Liverpool to speed up negotiations, and ultimately, he got his way.
So, the next developments will be fascinating.
Can Fenway Sports Group’s Football CEO Michael Edwards and Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes reach a compromise with him? Will Salah be on the flight to Milan on Monday for the club’s next Champions League game, or will he be dropped?
If the two sides fail to reconcile, either Salah or Slot will have to leave. Given that the owners have consistently backed the manager, it’s hard to imagine them supporting a player whose form has declined so sharply in recent months.
Perhaps a January transfer to the Saudi Pro League would be beneficial for all parties. But things have moved incredibly fast since the spring title triumph.
If this really is the end for Salah after 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool, it’s a shame he has to say goodbye in such an unpleasant way.
