Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has stunned the football world by publicly criticising manager Arne Slot and the club's hierarchy, in a remarkable echo of Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive departure from Manchester United.
A Stunning Public Rebuke
The 33-year-old Egyptian superstar made his feelings brutally clear after being left as an unused substitute during Liverpool's 3-3 draw away at Leeds United's Elland Road. This marked the third consecutive Premier League match in which Salah started on the bench, a situation he described as unprecedented in his career.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone post-match, Salah did not hold back. "I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," he stated. "That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think. I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season."
Broken Promises and a Fractured Relationship
Salah's comments took a more serious turn as he accused the club of breaking promises and deliberately making him a scapegoat. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus," he claimed. "Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench, so I can say they haven’t kept those promises."
He also revealed his previously good relationship with manager Arne Slot has completely broken down. "I used to have a good relationship (with Slot). Now we don’t have any relationship and I don't know why," Salah said, adding, "It seems like someone does not want me in the club."
In a poignant move, Salah disclosed he has invited his parents to attend Liverpool's next home game against Brighton, hinting it could be a farewell. "I'm going to enjoy it. I am just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there," he explained.
Eerie Echoes of Ronaldo's United Exit
The nature and timing of Salah's outburst bear a striking resemblance to Cristiano Ronaldo's infamous interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022. While on duty with Portugal ahead of the World Cup, Ronaldo launched a scathing attack on then-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and the club's owners.
Ronaldo's declaration, "I feel betrayed," and his claim that "I have no respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn't show respect for me" directly parallel Salah's current grievances. The Portuguese star left Old Trafford by mutual consent just days after that interview aired, subsequently joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Salah insisted he is not causing problems, stating, "I am not fighting for my position every day because I have earned it. I am not bigger than the club... But I have earned it." His future at Anfield is now shrouded in major doubt as he prepares to join up with the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in just over a week's time.
The coming weeks will determine whether Salah follows Ronaldo's path out of the club, or if a fractious reconciliation can be found at Liverpool.
