Mo Salah reveals a strained relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The forward sat on the bench for three consecutive Premier League games.
Mo Salah expressed deep frustration after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United, revealing a growing rift with Dutch coach Arne Slot. The Egyptian striker, speaking to Viaplay Fotboll, said he felt sidelined and unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles.
Salah watched from the bench as Liverpool surrendered a 2-0 lead, with Hugo Ekitike scoring both early goals. For the 33-year-old, the pattern of exclusion contradicted preseason promises about his central role in the squad.
“I had good relations with the manager, and suddenly we don’t have any relationships. I don’t know why,” Salah said, hinting at internal politics affecting his standing at Anfield. He accused the club of letting someone else decide his future and warned that he felt isolated despite his contributions on and off the pitch.
He also questioned unfulfilled summer promises and stressed that after years of service, being left out hurts deeply. “After what I have done for the club, it really hurts. You can imagine, really,” Salah said.
The forward revealed he invited his parents to the next home match against Brighton,but could not guarantee playing time. Salah also hinted at a farewell to Liverpool fans before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup in Morocco, fueling speculation over a possible transfer in January.
Arne Slot defended his decisions, citing squad rotation and tactical choices. “Mo is a world-class player, and we need him,” Slot said ahead of the Brighton match. He emphasised that managing a congested fixture schedule and rotation for Champions League and FA Cup commitments was the priority.
Sources at AXA Training Centre describe a divided squad. Young players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa push for minutes under Slot’s pressing system. Analysts note Liverpool’s possession-heavy style has left them vulnerable to counterattacks, as seen against Leeds.
Liverpool currently sits eighth in the Premier League. Salah’s dip in form, with five goals in 15 games, has added pressure on the team and the manager. A January exit for Salah could significantly impact Liverpool’s title hopes and remove a key figure in recent success.
All eyes are on Anfield next Saturday. Fans hope for a reconciliation, while pundits like Jamie Carragher urge patience but caution against letting key relationships fracture. Salah’s comments highlight tensions behind the scenes, showing how quickly harmony can break down even at elite clubs.
