13 hours ago
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Mohamed Salah reportedly engaged in a lengthy telephone conversation with Egypt manager Hossam Hassan following his explosive rant after last weekend's 3-3 stalemate at Leeds.
The forward is poised to rejoin the Reds' matchday squad against Brighton on Saturday afternoon after being omitted from the trip to Inter Milan during the week. This follows his accusation that Liverpool had abandoned him, having remained an unused substitute at Elland Road.
It marked the third consecutive occasion he had begun proceedings on the substitutes' bench. "I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season," Salah told reporters in the mixed zone after the Reds' latest Premier League encounter.
"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's how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.
"I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am in the bench for three games so I can't say they keep the promise.
"I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club."
Salah's inclusion in the squad follows direct discussions with Arne Slot on Friday. The fixture will be the final one before he links up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Salah has already had an extensive phone conversation with his national team manager about the situation. The reaction in Egypt is described as 'more intense than you would believe.'
Salah's relationship with Hassan hasn't always been solid, but the current circumstances necessitate open communication to avoid distracting from Egypt's objectives. It's also reported that Salah's international team-mate and Manchester City star, Omar Marmoush, has reached out.
Egypt-based journalist Ismael Mahmoud spoke about the sentiment in Salah's home country this week, revealing: "The reaction here is even more intense than you might imagine. Most Egyptians became Liverpool fans only because of Mo, so they simply cannot accept seeing their hero treated this way. For me and for the Egyptian fans, and I think even for Salah himself, Slot appears to be weak-minded."
Former Egypt captain Mohamed Omar chimed in: "The reaction is a strong emotional response towards Mohamed, the son of Egypt and an icon of Egypt and the world. The Arab world supports Mohamed. It is entirely illogical to attack him."
TV broadcaster Mohamed Fouad added: "All the Egyptians are astonished. There he has carved his name in gold with fans, management. I don't believe Salah's ambition is outside of England or Liverpool – or he would have taken that choice two years ago."
Following the remarks, Hassan demonstrated his backing for Salah. Posting a photograph of the pair together, he penned: "Always a symbol of determination and strength."
Liverpool will be eager to ensure the Brighton fixture isn't Salah's swansong in Red. Nevertheless, it's understood that Salah holds all the cards regarding his future prospects.
Should the attacker remain resolute in his desire to depart the club, Liverpool may find themselves with little option but to secure a transfer fee. There's understood to be keen interest from Saudi Arabia and America with the January transfer window set to open in mere weeks.
Salah departs for Cairo following the Brighton match for a pre-tournament training camp. Egypt are scheduled to face Nigeria on Tuesday in a friendly at the national stadium, with Salah expected to be in the running for selection.
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