Mohamed Salah's Thoughts, Words, and Actions

Not through the number of goals or assists, this season Mohamed Salah has made headlines around the world with his words. The Egyptian player is known to rarely speak to the media. However, after the match against Leeds United, Salah spoke at length, which also increased the pressure on manager Arne Slot. Through that interview, what is Salah trying to achieve?

Totaling 1,116 words, Salah spoke quite extensively, which is unusual for someone known for being reticent. He only tends to speak to the media when something is troubling his mind or when there are matters he feels are important to convey. Therefore, when Salah was willing to speak at length following the 3-3 draw between Liverpool and Leeds on Sunday (7/12/2025), it is certain that there was a message or deeper meaning worth contemplating.

The essence of Salah's interview revolves around his frustration with the current situation of the team, which is struggling to deliver its best performance. For the first time since the 2014-2015 season, Liverpool has suffered nine defeats in 12 matches across all competitions. This is clearly not a promising result for a club as significant as Liverpool, which also holds the title of defending champion of the Premier League.

In addition, Salah feels that he has become the scapegoat for the downfall of "The Reds" this season. Several former Liverpool players have voiced criticism towards Salah. Jamie Carragher has been the most vocal, stating that Salah's legs are no longer functioning following the embarrassing defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Salah's disappointment ultimately erupted after being benched by Slot in three consecutive matches. He finds it difficult to accept the reality that there are other players who perform inconsistently but do not receive the same treatment (being benched). Ibrahima Konate, for instance, continues to be trusted to play despite his poor performance. However, it should be noted that Slot's decision to play Konate is based on the team's condition, where the availability of center-backs is very limited.

The drama between Salah and Slot has also implicated Cody Gakpo, who has occasionally performed poorly. The differing treatment between Gakpo and Salah has sparked debates among Liverpool fans. Slot is accused of favoritism after only benching Salah, while Gakpo continues to receive trust.

"Sorry, with all due respect, I love everyone. I love (Erling) Haaland, but I'm the top scorer in the Premier League right now. I won the league in style. It hurts me. What I've done hurts. I know this club well. I've been here for many years. Tomorrow, Jamie Carragher will criticize me, but that doesn't matter," Salah told the BBC.

From his statement, Salah intends to convey that he still considers himself the most dangerous striker in England. Unfortunately, all of that is now just a story, at least until last season. Carragher's argument contains some truth. This season, Salah has indeed not been as brilliant as in the past. This season, Salah has repeatedly missed golden opportunities.

Statistics show Salah is the least efficient winger currently. Based on chance conversion rate data, Salah only records 12.50 percent. This percentage places him in 29th place among strikers with the highest conversion rate.

Salah's efficiency is lower than Igor Thiago (Brentford), who recorded a conversion rate of 31.43 percent, Danny Welbeck (Brighton and Hove Albion) at 28 percent, and Haaland (Manchester City) at 26.32 percent. In terms of shots taken, Salah ranks ninth with 32 shots. However, only four of them were converted into goals.

The level of inefficiency of Salah has become increasingly evident from the comparison between accurate shots and those that miss. This season, Salah's attacking instinct has significantly declined, recording 22 off-target shots (the sixth most in the league) and only 10 on target. With such statistical records, it is not incorrect for Carragher to state that Salah's foot is no longer functioning. Although it must be acknowledged that this statement is quite harsh.

That's also likely what prompted Slot to start sidelining Salah. Contrary to Salah's belief, Slot didn't completely disregard his responsibilities. In fact, Salah was initially trusted, as evidenced by his inclusion as a starter in the first 12 games of the season. However, Salah squandered that opportunity by wasting numerous chances.

Another point that remains under debate is Salah's contribution in defense. He has been criticized multiple times for rarely tracking back when Liverpool is under pressure. As a result, the right side of Liverpool's defense, guarded by Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, becomes an easy target for opponents.

Debate arises considering that (Salah's reluctance to help defend) could possibly be an instruction from Slot. There is a notion that with his speed, Salah could be very useful in quick transition situations, thus being asked to remain up front to seize momentum.

"I cannot accept this. I do not know why this always happens to me. I do not understand. I think if this happened elsewhere, every club would protect its players. I do not know why I am in this situation now. However, how I see it now is as if you are blaming Mo (Salah) because he is the problem in the team right now. However, I feel that I am not the problem. I have done a lot for this club. That respect, I want to earn it. I should not have to fight every day for my position because I deserve it. People will say, 'Ah, you are not bigger.' I am not bigger than anyone, but I deserve my position. That is football. That is how it is," Salah expressed his disappointment at being continually benched.

Those sharp comments have further strained the relationship between Salah and Slot. Moreover, Salah also requested his mother to come and watch the match between Liverpool and Brighton. Speculation about Salah's departure has spread. The match against Brighton is Salah's last with Liverpool before representing Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah could choose to leave during the winter transfer window if the situation involving him and Slot worsens.

A meeting point is something that is currently very much needed by Salah and Slot. Nevertheless, Salah has already signed a contract extension for two seasons at the beginning of this year. It is quite disheartening to see Salah's positive relationship dynamics at the beginning of the year turn into uncertainty by the end of the year. If no one can yield, parting ways is sure to be the best option.