Liverpool's Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, has publicly voiced his deep frustration and sense of betrayal after finding himself relegated to the substitutes' bench in consecutive matches. The forward's explosive comments come in the wake of Liverpool's disappointing 3-3 draw with Leeds United, a result that further highlights the reigning champions' alarming dip in form this season.
A Star Feeling Scapegoated
Speaking to journalists after the match on Saturday, Salah did not hold back. He revealed that his recent omission from the starting lineup has led to him being unfairly blamed for the team's poor performances. Liverpool have managed to win only two of their last ten Premier League games, a stark contrast to their dominance in the previous campaign. Having started almost every league game during this downturn, the 33-year-old has now been benched three times in a row, missing two of those matches entirely.
"I can't believe that I'm sitting on the bench for 90 minutes! The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career," Salah said, visibly upset. "I'm very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why."
Broken Promises and a Fractured Relationship
Salah suggested a serious breach of trust, stating that his reduced role contradicts assurances given when he signed a lucrative two-year contract extension just last summer. He feels he is being singled out to take the fall for the collective failure. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I am feeling," he claimed. "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can't say they keep the promise."
Perhaps more damningly, the Egyptian captain revealed a complete breakdown in his relationship with manager Jurgen Klopp. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club," Salah confessed.
Uncertain Future as AFCON Looms
Despite his anger and confusion, Salah was quick to reaffirm his enduring love for Liverpool Football Club and its supporters. "This club, I always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much. I will always do," he stated emotionally.
However, his future at Anfield appears shrouded in uncertainty. With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, where he will lead Egypt, Salah hinted at a potential farewell. "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to Africa Cup of Nations. I don't know what is going to happen when I am there," he said, leaving his long-term status at the club in serious doubt. The prolific forward, who has scored 188 league goals for Liverpool since his 2017 arrival, now faces an anxious wait to see if he will feature in the upcoming match against Brighton on December 13th.
