Liverpool players spotted change in Mohamed Salah before explosive interview | Football | Sport
Mohamed Salah‘s future at Liverpool is hanging in the balance following a shocking interview in which he expressed his disappointment at being sidelined and suggested that the club was scapegoating him for their recent poor form. It came after the Egypt international found himself on the bench for the third consecutive Premier League match in Saturday’s draw against Leeds United. Salah also hinted to reporters that Liverpool’s upcoming game against Brighton could be his last, given his uncertainty about what will happen post-AFCON.
Despite Arne Slot insisting that Salah had reacted positively in training prior to this outburst, it seems a turning point had been reached. As per The Athletic, this pivotal moment occurred on the Friday before the Leeds game. The report suggests that team-mates were ‘braced for it’, having spotted a change in Salah’s demeanour.
It seems Friday was the day when the winger was informed that he would once again be omitted from the starting XI, a decision that reportedly caused great frustration.
Further clarity on Salah’s future is anticipated in the coming days, with Slot set to hold a press conference on Monday evening ahead of the Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
Salah’s participation in the match remains uncertain as the travelling squad is yet to be announced, with the controversy likely to dominate much of the pre-match discussion.
Additional pressure is now mounting on Slot, whose record of just one victory in the past six fixtures across all competitions has left the manager desperately seeking answers.
Certain supporters are questioning the 47-year-old’s future in spite of his Premier League triumph last season and Salah’s remarks are unlikely to help restore confidence within the fanbase.
“There’s no relationship between us,” said the forward regarding his current situation with Slot. “It was very good relationship and now all of a sudden there is no relationship.”
Salah has featured 71 times under the Dutchman, scoring 39 goals and providing 26 assists across all competitions, with his performances particularly impressive during last season’s title-winning campaign.
A clear test now faces Slot to reverse Liverpool‘s fortunes, having failed to establish any momentum or consistency in their recent performances.
“Really hard but it’s not about me,” the manager reflected when questioned about the atmosphere in the dressing room following the stalemate with Leeds.
“It’s about what the players feel, what the fans feel, what everyone who loves this football club feels.
“I think we all feel the same at this moment. But what I also hope everyone sees is these players are fighting really, really, really hard and combine that with good football.
“Again today, we hardly conceded a chance. We hardly conceded a chance and concede three goals.”
