Mohamed Salah has accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after being left on the bench for the third consecutive game, casting doubt on his future at the club. The Egypt international, who was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds, expressed deep disappointment and suggested he may have played his last home game for the Reds.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed. 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.” He added: “It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.”
The 32-year-old, who was the Premier League’s top scorer and player of the year last season, hinted that next week’s home match against Brighton could be his farewell at Anfield before he joins up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. “In my head, I’m going to enjoy that game because I don’t know what is going to happen now,” he said. “I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
Salah, who signed a two-year contract extension in the spring, said he had been given promises that were not kept. “I got a lot of promises and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can’t say they have kept the promise,” he said. “It is not acceptable for me. I don’t know why this is happening to me. I don’t get it. I think if this was somewhere else, every club would protect its player.”
The forward, who has scored only four Premier League goals this season, acknowledged criticism of his form but insisted he should not be made a scapegoat. “After what I have done for the club it really hurts,” he said. “I am top goalscorer, best player, winning the league in such a style, but I am the one who has to defend himself in front of the media and fans.”
