Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah has sent shockwaves through the football world by openly questioning his future at the club, expressing deep frustration at being left on the bench and suggesting he has been made a scapegoat.
Salah's Bench Frustration Boils Over
The Egyptian international, a key figure in Liverpool's recent golden era, voiced his disappointment after being an unused substitute for the third consecutive match. This occurred during Liverpool's dramatic 3-3 draw away to Leeds United on Saturday.
"I'm very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season," Salah told gathered media. "Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling."
The 33-year-old, who signed a lucrative two-year contract extension just last April, went further, implying a deliberate campaign against him. "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame," he added.
A Broken Relationship with Manager Arne Slot
Salah revealed that his previously strong relationship with manager Arne Slot has completely deteriorated. He claimed promises made to him during the summer have been broken by his continued exclusion from the starting lineup.
"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," Salah stated. "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."
His comments have sparked major speculation about his long-term future at Anfield, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations looming this month. Salah admitted he is uncertain what will happen while he is away on international duty.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot addressed the selection decision post-match, stating simply, "We have to accept the situation we are in and I make my choices based on that." The situation adds to a difficult period for the reigning champions, who have managed only two wins in their last ten Premier League outings.
Pundit Reaction and a Shifting Title Race
High-profile pundit Chris Sutton labelled Salah's remarks as "embarrassing" and "disrespectful to his teammates and his manager." Sutton argued that all players must accept being benched when their form dips.
Meanwhile, the Premier League title race took another dramatic turn. League leaders Arsenal conceded a devastating stoppage-time winner to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa. Substitute Emiliano Buendia struck in the 95th minute at Villa Park, a result that pushes Unai Emery's in-form side up to third.
"In the manner that happened at the end, obviously, it is really difficult to take," a dejected Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports. This was Arsenal's first defeat since August and their third straight game without a win on the road.
Manchester City took full advantage, beating Sunderland 3-0 to close the gap at the top to just two points. Chelsea, the world club champions, failed to capitalise, drawing 0-0 at Bournemouth for the third match in a row, leaving them five points behind Villa in fourth place.
