Can Liverpool and Mo Salah make peace after outburst?

The star forward went on the attack against his club because of being benched for three games, leaving his future up in the air

- By Yanga Sibembe

As Mohamed Salah's relationship of nearly a decade with reigning English champions Liverpool reached a dead end? It certainly seems so, judging by the explosive tone of his mixed-zone interview with journalists last week.

In the aftermath of Liverpool dropping two precious points from a winning position when they drew 3-3 with Leeds United, Salah spoke with the media and made a number of utterances that have shaken not just Liverpool, but the entire global soccer community.

Salah said he could not believe that he was benched for the full duration of the Leeds stalemate, which the Reds were leading 2-0 at one point before the demons that have tripped them up so far this season reemerged. Clearly, the 33-year-old thought he could have made a difference in that match, just as he has done on numerous occasions since moving to Merseyside from Roma in 2017.

But that was his third successive match starting on the bench. Clearly it was one too many for the reigning Premier League Player of the Season. It's something he is not accustomed to.

"The third time on the bench, for the first time in my career. I'm very, very disappointed ... I have done so much for this club over the years and especially last season," Salah said.

"Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. It is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame."

Despite his age, Salah remains in optimum physical condition. His output has him firmly perched among the best players in the world, although this has been impacted by Liverpool's torrid form this season.

Losing his close friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July, has likely not made matters any simpler for Salah. But he still has five goals and three assists in 19 appearances so far in the 2025/26 season.