Salah, who was benched for a third consecutive match in the chaotic 3–3 draw with Leeds United, stunned reporters on Saturday night by claiming Liverpool had “thrown him under the bus” and that his once-strong relationship with Slot had completely collapsed. His comments have now fuelled growing speculation that he could push for a sensational mid-season exit when the January transfer window opens.

But while many have questioned Salah’s outburst, his national team manager appeared to show solidarity. Hours after the incident, Hassan posted a photo of himself with Salah on Instagram, accompanied by the caption:
“Always a symbol of determination and strength.”

The message, though short, has been widely interpreted as a public show of confidence at a moment when the Liverpool star feels most exposed inside his club.

Salah’s extraordinary rant, delivered in the mixed zone after the match, was the most explosive of his Liverpool career.

He told reporters: “I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes — that’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career. I have done so much for this club and it feels like the club has thrown me under the bus.”

He added that the club “promised him a lot” during the summer, only for those assurances to be broken, leaving him sidelined during a critical period.

Salah went on to admit that his once-positive relationship with Slot has completely deteriorated: “I used to have a good relationship with him. Now we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why.”

He revealed he had already invited his parents to Liverpool’s next home match against Brighton not because he expects to play, but because he fears it may be his final farewell at Anfield before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Salah’s remarks come at a challenging time for Liverpool. Slot’s early months in charge have been turbulent, with inconsistent form and growing scrutiny over team selections. Benching Salah the club’s most influential player of the past decade has intensified pressure on the manager.

While Salah insists he has “no issue” with his teammates, he made clear that internal dynamics have shifted dramatically: “It seems someone does not want me at the club. It’s not acceptable.”

With AFCON approaching, Egypt are monitoring the situation closely. Hassan’s supportive message is a reminder of Salah’s status as a national hero and a warning to Liverpool that any major disruption involving their star could have wider implications.

As tension builds, the upcoming weeks could prove pivotal. Liverpool now faces the possibility of navigating both a title race and a public conflict with the most important player in their modern era.

And with Salah hinting that his next appearance at Anfield could be a goodbye, the club may be forced into making decisions far sooner than expected.