Liverpool have been thrown into fresh internal chaos after Mohamed Salah unleashed a blistering outburst following the team’s disappointing 3–3 draw against Leeds United. The Egyptian forward, long regarded as the club’s most reliable performer, was benched for the third time in four Premier League matches — a decision that pushed him over the edge and intensified tension between him, the club’s hierarchy, and manager Arne Slot.
The dramatic late equaliser from Ao Tanaka in the 96th minute did more than just cost Liverpool two crucial points. It deepened the cracks within the squad, amplified pressure on Arne Slot, and triggered a rare public confrontation from Salah, who felt abandoned and disrespected at a moment he believes he should be central to the team.
Liverpool’s inconsistent performances this season have created a storm of frustration among supporters. Many have questioned Slot’s tactical adjustments and heavy rotation, while the Dutch manager insists he is trying to rebuild energy and balance in the squad. Salah, however, views the decision-making very differently — and his reaction has sent shockwaves across English football.
The situation escalated quickly after Salah’s comments spread across social media. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore issued a fierce public response, arguing that Salah had crossed a line and should remember that no individual is bigger than Liverpool Football Club.
As Liverpool attempt to stabilise their Premier League campaign, they must now navigate the fallout of a high-profile conflict involving one of their greatest modern players.
Salah’s Explosive Criticism Goes Public
Speaking after the match at Elland Road, Salah did not hold back. The 33-year-old star admitted he felt betrayed and unfairly scapegoated for Liverpool’s recent struggles.
“I’ve done so much for this club for years, especially last season,” Salah said. “Now I’m sitting on the bench, and I don’t even know why. It feels like the club has thrown me under the bus. Someone clearly wants me to take the blame for everything.”
Salah added that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated sharply.
“I’ve always said I had a good relationship with the manager. Suddenly that relationship is gone. I don’t know what changed. It feels as though someone doesn’t want me here anymore.”
The forward’s comments ignited immediate debates among pundits, with many questioning the wisdom of airing internal frustrations so openly. The club itself was reportedly stunned by the force of Salah’s remarks.
Stan Collymore Hits Back: ‘Salah Is Not Messi or Ronaldo’
One of the strongest reactions came from Stan Collymore, who issued a blunt criticism aimed directly at Salah. Posting on X, the former Liverpool striker argued that Salah’s mindset had shifted in a dangerous direction.
“I think I know Liverpool and their supporters well enough to say this,” Collymore wrote. “The one principle that has always defined the club is that Liverpool Football Club comes before any individual. Players and managers add to its DNA, but the club itself stands above everyone.”
Collymore then turned firmly toward Salah’s attitude.
“In the chaos of modern football, people forget that it’s perfectly normal for a manager to say: ‘You haven’t played well, so you sit on the bench.’ Mo might be starting to think he’s at the level of Messi or Ronaldo — players who could do whatever they wanted because of who they were. But Mo isn’t them, and Liverpool isn’t that kind of club.”
He also warned that Slot, who won silverware in his first season, deserves respect.
“Slot earned credibility by winning a trophy immediately. He’s well within his rights to make big decisions. Salah has to accept that — nobody is bigger than the badge.”
A Club at a Crossroads
The fallout from Salah’s interview poses a significant challenge for Arne Slot. Liverpool’s dressing room, already dealing with poor results and mounting pressure, must now absorb the shockwaves from their star player’s rebellion.
The tension arrives at a sensitive time:
- Liverpool have dropped crucial points in the title race.
- The system under Slot is still inconsistent.
- The fanbase is divided over the manager’s approach.
Meanwhile, Salah’s future is becoming increasingly uncertain. His form has dipped, his relationship with the manager is reportedly fractured, and clubs from Saudi Arabia continue to monitor him closely ahead of the January transfer window.
Inside Anfield, the message remains firm: Slot still has the board’s backing — and the club will not allow players to dictate managerial control.
But Salah’s outburst ensures that the next few weeks could define Liverpool’s direction for years to come.
Will Salah fight for his place?
Will Slot stand firm?
Or will this confrontation accelerate an unexpected January departure?
That is the question hanging heavily over Anfield.
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