Mohamed Salah says he feels he has been "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down after being left on the bench for a third consecutive match. Salah, an unused substitute in Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds United on Saturday, told reporters after the match that he believes "someone wanted [him] to get all of the blame" for the team's recent struggles. The Egypt captain, who has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances for the Reds, said his sudden exclusion from the starting lineup has left him questioning his future at Anfield. "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame," Salah said. "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 that someone doesn't want me in the club." Salah added that he feels "thrown under the bus," insisting he has "done so much for the club" and should not have to "fight every day" for his place after seven standout years at Liverpool. The 33-year-old—who signed a new two-year contract in April—said he is unsure whether he will return to Liverpool after joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. Slot, speaking before Salah's remarks, said he benched the forward to "control the game" and denied it was due to performance. The Dutch manager acknowledged the "chatter" surrounding Salah but said it was "normal" given the forward's long-term impact at the club. Salah, Liverpool's third all-time top scorer behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, has struggled to match last season's form despite finishing the 2024–25 Premier League campaign with 29 goals. He has scored four league goals this season and was last in the starting XI during the 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on November 26. The Saudi Pro League has long expressed interest in signing Salah, with sources indicating that Al Hilal are among the clubs monitoring his situation. BBC Sport reported that Liverpool remain "open-minded" about his future. In an extended interview, Salah said he felt deeply hurt by the situation. "After what I've done for this club, it really hurts," he said. "In my head, I'm going to enjoy the Brighton game because I don't know what is going to happen now." Asked whether he has played his last game for Liverpool, he replied: "In football you never know. I don't accept this situation." Salah added that his relationship with Slot is now "gone," saying: "It was a very good relationship and now all of a sudden there is no relationship." The Egyptian forward said he continues to have the full support of his teammates and expressed love for the club and supporters despite his frustration. "I love the club so much and I always will," he said. "But I don't know what is going to happen next. — BBC
