Salah Treatment Under Slot Sparks Fresh Controversy as Exit Nears
A prominent Egyptian journalist has reignited criticism of Liverpool manager Arne Slot over how Mohamed Salah has been handled during what’s expected to be his final season at Anfield. With Salah already confirmed to leave the club this summer, tensions around his reduced role—especially in key matches like the recent Champions League quarter-final against PSG—have drawn sharp commentary from media figures close to the player.
Mounting Frustration Over Salah's Role
Magdy Salama, a reporter for El Balad and Al Qahera News, accused Liverpool’s management of unfairly blaming Salah for the team’s inconsistent performances this season. He argued that the forward’s frequent benchings, including being left out of the starting XI in the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, reflected poor judgment rather than performance issues.
Salama pointed to broader squad problems as the real cause of Liverpool’s struggles: the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, plus a general dip in midfield form. In his view, sidelining Salah—a proven match-winner in high-stakes games—was a tactical misstep that contributed directly to Liverpool’s lackluster 2-0 loss, where they failed to register a single shot on target.
He emphasized that fans across England and Egypt would have expected Salah to start given his track record in European knockout ties. Instead, Slot’s decision was framed as “stubbornness” that cost the team dearly.
Salah’s Final Months and Future Plans
Despite the friction, it’s understood that an informal truce was reached between Salah, Slot, and Liverpool’s hierarchy back in December. After publicly criticizing the club for making him a “scapegoat,” Salah was briefly benched again before returning to action against Brighton. Since then, he’s seen more consistent minutes—but not always from the start.
As for what comes next, Salama says Salah hasn’t finalized his destination but is leaning toward staying in Europe. Potential suitors in Spain, France, or Italy remain in play, though lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer are also on the table. A decision is expected before the upcoming World Cup.
Salah himself has been vocal about feeling undervalued. In earlier remarks this season, he expressed frustration at repeated benchings despite his contributions, saying: “I’ve done so much for this club… To be on the bench – I don’t know why. I feel like the club is throwing me under the bus.”
Context Behind the Conflict
It’s important to note that Salah’s situation isn’t just about form—it’s tied to Liverpool’s transitional phase. The club is undergoing significant squad changes, with new signings anticipated and several key players departing. Slot, in his first full season as manager, faces pressure to rebuild while managing legacy figures like Salah.
The PSG match highlighted this tension. Without Salah starting, Liverpool lacked creativity and cutting edge in the final third. Analysts noted the team looked disjointed, especially in attack, reinforcing arguments that his exclusion was a major factor in the defeat.
Still, some supporters argue that rotation is necessary in a congested fixture list, and that Salah’s age (33 by summer 2026) may justify cautious usage. However, critics counter that big games demand your best available players—and Salah remains among Liverpool’s most decisive talents.
Key Takeaways
- Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season, with his future destination still undecided.
- Egyptian journalist Magdy Salama claims Salah was unfairly scapegoated for Liverpool’s poor results and wrongly benched in the PSG Champions League clash.
- The absence of key players like Alexander-Arnold and Diaz, plus midfield struggles, are cited as the real reasons behind Liverpool’s inconsistency.
- Despite public friction in December, a temporary peace allowed Salah to return to the lineup—but his role remains inconsistent.
- Salah is considering offers from top European leagues but could also move to Saudi Arabia or the U.S.; a decision is expected before the World Cup.
While this story centers on interpersonal dynamics and legacy, it also reflects Liverpool’s broader identity shift under Slot. As the club moves on from its Klopp-era core, how it treats departing stars like Salah will shape its reputation among fans and players alike.
— Editorial Team
