English Premier League star Mohamed Salah has expressed his shock and disappointment after being left on the bench in consecutive games, following Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw against Leeds United. The forward said he feels he is being unfairly singled out for the team’s struggles this season.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s match, Salah revealed that his recent omission from the starting lineup has led to criticism he believes is misplaced.
Liverpool have won only two of their last 10 league fixtures and have failed to secure victory in eight of their 15 matches this season—a stark contrast to their dominant showing last year. Despite being a consistent starter throughout the club’s dip in form, Salah has now been benched for three matches in a row and did not feature at all in two of them. The 33-year-old, who has scored 188 Premier League goals since joining Liverpool in 2017, said the situation has left him confused.
“I still can’t believe I sat on the bench for 90 minutes—for the third time. That’s never happened before in my career,” he said. “I’m extremely disappointed. I’ve given so much to this club over the years, especially last season, and now I’m on the bench without any explanation.”
Salah also suggested that the situation contradicts assurances he received when he signed a two-year contract extension in the summer. He believes he is being positioned as the scapegoat for Liverpool’s poor performances.
“It feels like I’ve been thrown under the bus,” he added. “It’s clear someone wants me to take all the blame. I was promised a lot in the summer, but now I’ve been benched three times. It doesn’t feel like those promises are being kept.”
He further disclosed that his once-strong relationship with the manager appears to have collapsed. “I’ve always said I had a great relationship with the manager, but suddenly that’s gone. I don’t know why. From where I’m standing, it seems someone doesn’t want me at the club.”
Despite his frustration, Salah reiterated his deep affection for Liverpool and its supporters. “This club will always mean so much to me. My kids will always support Liverpool. I called my mum yesterday—even though no one else knew whether I’d play, I knew. I told them to come for the Brighton game on 13 December. I don’t know if I’ll play, but I want to enjoy it because I don’t know what comes next.”
The Egyptian captain, who will soon join his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, added that he hopes to bid farewell to fans before departing for international duty. “I’ll be at Anfield to say goodbye before heading to AFCON. I really don’t know what will happen after that,” he said.
