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‘He’s making it all about him’ – Murphy on Salah
Mohamed Salah’s recent, candid interview has escalated pressure on Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, amidst growing discord within the club.
While Salah stopped short of issuing an ultimatum, his claim that their relationship has “broken down” represents a clear challenge to Slot’s authority from a Liverpool icon.
For a player revered by Liverpool supporters as ‘The Egyptian King,’ this public criticism casts doubt on the prospect of reconciliation between manager and player.
Slot already faces intense scrutiny as Liverpool’s title aspirations falter, and Salah’s airing of grievances publicly will only amplify the pressure.
The division within the club is now starkly exposed following Salah’s rare post-match comments, which amounted to a sharp critique of his head coach and the club’s direction.
In his statement, Salah asserted, “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.”
While Salah did not specify whom he was referring to, he made it evident that his relationship with Slot has deteriorated.
For Liverpool, an organization that prides itself on internal stability, Salah’s outburst has brought internal discontent into the open – a remarkable display of defiance from a player of his stature.
Adding to Slot and Liverpool’s woes, Salah’s comments followed his third consecutive Premier League game spent on the bench, witnessing a late equalizer that resulted in a 3-3 draw against Leeds United after leading 2-0.
Salah says he has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by Liverpool
Mohamed Salah says his relationship for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has “broken down”
Despite a significant summer investment of nearly £450m, Slot has faced numerous challenges this season.
However, the most significant challenge arose when Salah chose to publicly express his discontent.
Salah’s words are typically measured and strategic. Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, he has often declined interview requests from reporters.
Exceptions occur at Salah’s discretion, such as when he suggested his potential departure from Liverpool during contract negotiations after a 3-2 win at Southampton last November.
The impasse was resolved with a two-year contract extension in April, celebrated with Salah posing on a throne at Anfield.
This stands in stark contrast to the acrimony unveiled at Elland Road.
Salah’s future at Liverpool now appears more uncertain than ever, and should his tenure end on such a sour note, it would mark a disappointing conclusion.
If Salah’s words represent a challenge to Liverpool and Slot, it is a battle he is less likely to win compared to last season.
It is understandable that a player of Salah’s caliber would be disheartened by a reduced role, given his significant contributions to Liverpool’s success.
During his time at Liverpool, Salah has secured two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup, amassing 250 goals. He has scored 188 goals and provided 88 assists in the Premier League.
He ranks third on Liverpool’s all-time list of goalscorers, trailing only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
However, this season has shown signs of decline. Slot’s decision to bench Salah for the 2-0 win against West Ham United was not as surprising as it might once have been.
Salah’s form this term contrasts sharply with last season, when he appeared driven to lead Liverpool to the league title, ultimately scoring 34 goals in 50 starts across all competitions.
In the current campaign, Salah has made 16 starts, scoring only five times.
As Liverpool struggled, Slot sought solutions, including reducing Salah’s playing time.
The Dutchman also needed to evaluate the team’s performance without Salah, particularly with his impending departure to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15.
Salah’s recent performances did not warrant an automatic spot in the starting lineup, even though his past contributions have established him as a world-class player.
His pace has diminished, and the goals have not flowed as freely as before. Even legendary players like Salah cannot defy the effects of time.
The upcoming match at Anfield against Brighton will be closely scrutinized, especially if Slot and Salah are in close proximity.
Salah remains a beloved figure among Liverpool fans, who have not yet directed their frustration towards Slot despite the team’s decline in performance this season.
Liverpool’s next move will be significant, yet it seems unlikely that they would dismiss a manager based on criticism from a player nearing the end of his career, regardless of past achievements.
Salah has challenged authority previously, such as his touchline disagreement with then-manager Jurgen Klopp in April 2024.
On that occasion, Salah declined to speak to the media, stating, “If I speak, there will be fire.”
However, Salah chose to speak at Elland Road, igniting a crisis for Slot and Liverpool.
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