Arjun Menon
Mohamed Salah set the football world alight on Saturday evening after launching a stunning verbal attack in the aftermath of Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds United. The Egyptian superstar, long the club’s talisman, was left on the bench for the third consecutive match — and this time, he didn’t hide his frustration.
Salah Benched Again as Liverpool Drop Vital Points
Liverpool appeared to have secured the win when Dominik Szoboszlai fired home late on, but Ao Tanaka struck with virtually the final kick, leaving the Reds settling for a draw that only deepened their recent struggles. As the club’s form continues to slump, Salah’s absence from the pitch raised eyebrows — and his post-match interview raised even more.
What Mo Salah Said in His Stunning Interview
Salah did not mince his words. The 33-year-old expressed disbelief over being benched, hinted at internal conflict, and questioned his fading relationship with manager Arne Slot. He said:
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. 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 went even further:
“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. Someone wanted me to get all of the blame.”
Salah also suggested his once-strong relationship with Slot has collapsed: “All of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why … it seems to me someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
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Michael Owen Reacts: Supportive, But Critical of Timing
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen reacted almost immediately on X, offering both empathy and stern advice to Salah. He wrote:
“@mosalah I can imagine how you feel. You’ve carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win.”
But Owen also made it clear that Salah’s delivery was ill-timed and potentially damaging:
“But this is a team game and you simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said. You’re going to AFCON in a week. Surely you bite your lip, enjoy representing your country and see how the land lies when you get back?”
His response echoed the sentiment of many ex-pros: Salah’s grievances may be understandable, but the interview crossed a line.
Danny Murphy Also Calls Out Salah’s Approach
Speaking on Match of the Day, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy agreed that Salah’s emotional reaction was counterproductive:
“Everyone has to fight for their place. You can be angry, frustrated, emotional — but you keep it inside the four walls of the club.”
Murphy argued that Salah’s comments create unnecessary turbulence for the manager, squad, and club leadership:
“By doing what he’s done, he’s causing the manager and the team a problem and making it all about him. Whether you agree with him being left out or not, you don’t deal with it like this.”
What’s Next for Salah and Liverpool?
This controversy arrives at a critical moment. Liverpool have won just two of their last 10 Premier League matches, sliding to eighth place and falling 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Confidence, cohesion, and momentum are slipping — and now one of the club’s greatest-ever players is publicly questioning his place.
Liverpool now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan, followed by a Premier League matchup with Brighton on December 13. Salah is expected to feature in both games before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The big question: Will the club discipline him — and has Salah already played his final game for Liverpool?
All eyes are now on Anfield as the tension between club legend and manager threatens to reshape Liverpool’s season.