The drama at Elland Road on December 6, 2025, was only the beginning of a turbulent weekend for Liverpool Football Club. A thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League laid bare the team’s ongoing struggles, but it was the post-match fallout—centered on Mohamed Salah’s explosive interview—that truly set the football world abuzz. For a club steeped in history and pride, the events of this match and its aftermath have prompted hard questions about leadership, loyalty, and the very future of Liverpool’s current regime.
Let’s start with the match itself. Liverpool, desperate for a spark after a string of lackluster results, arrived at Elland Road with hopes of turning their season around. The Reds had managed just two league wins since September 20, and their form across all competitions was equally bleak—only four victories in their last fifteen outings. Manager Arne Slot’s side had developed an unfortunate habit of squandering leads, and the trip to Leeds would prove no exception.
The first half was a familiar tale for Liverpool fans: plenty of possession (55% to Leeds’ 45%), but little conviction or cutting edge. The Reds’ build-up play was slow and predictable, their pressing disjointed, and their attacks fizzled out before they could truly threaten. Leeds, for their part, were industrious but lacked the incisiveness to capitalize on Liverpool’s malaise. As the halftime whistle blew, the away supporters could only hope for a change in energy.
That change arrived swiftly after the restart. Hugo Ekitike, starting up front, electrified the contest with two goals in as many minutes—first in the 48th, then again in the 50th, the second set up by Conor Bradley. Suddenly, it looked as though Liverpool might finally seize control and claim a much-needed victory. But as has become a worrying pattern, the Reds failed to press their advantage.
Instead, chaos ensued. Ibrahima Konaté’s clumsy challenge in the box gifted Leeds a penalty, coolly converted by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 73rd minute. Just two minutes later, Anton Stach, played in by Brendan Aaronson, drew the hosts level at 2-2. Liverpool’s response was immediate—Dominik Szoboszlai, showing the kind of drive and quality fans have been craving, lashed home a superb finish in the 80th minute after being teed up by Ryan Gravenberch. Was this the moment Liverpool would steady themselves and see out the win?
Not quite. Deep into stoppage time, with nerves frayed and structure lost, Liverpool’s defense was breached once more. Ao Tanaka swept home a dramatic equalizer in the 96th minute, sending Elland Road into raptures and leaving Liverpool’s players—and their manager—stunned. The statistics told a story of missed opportunities and familiar failings: Liverpool had 16 shots to Leeds’ 12, an expected goals tally of 1.91 to 1.51, but ultimately, it was their inability to manage pressure and maintain composure that cost them two crucial points.
The draw was emblematic of Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot. The team has now thrown away a two-goal lead four times this campaign, failed to score in the first half in 10 of their 15 league games, and managed just 15 wins in their last 33 matches across all competitions. The sense of drift is palpable, with growing criticism of Slot’s leadership, tactical decisions, and substitutions. As one observer put it, “This was the clearest evidence yet that Arne Slot has lost the team.” The calls for decisive action regarding his future are growing louder, with many believing a change must come sooner rather than later.
Yet, the drama on the pitch was soon overshadowed by Mohamed Salah’s remarkable post-match interview. The Egyptian superstar, who did not feature at all against Leeds—his third consecutive match without a start—did not mince words. In a raw and emotional exchange, Salah took aim at both his manager and the club’s hierarchy.
“I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes for I think, I think it’s the third time I’m on the bench. I think it’s my first time in my career but I’m very disappointed. Very disappointed to be fair,” Salah said. His frustration was palpable, as he continued, “I have done so much for this club. Everybody can see that during the years and especially last season. Sitting on the bench, I don’t know why. It feels like a club is throwing me under the bus. That’s how I feel. I think that it’s very clear that someone wants me to give all the blame.”
Salah’s comments revealed deep-seated issues behind the scenes. He spoke of broken promises made to him over the summer, a once-strong relationship with Slot that had mysteriously soured, and a growing sense that he was being made a scapegoat. “The club promised me in the summer for a lot of promises and nothing so far. I’m not even in the previous three games, so I can’t say that they keep the promises,” he lamented. “I said that many times before I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why.”
Perhaps most striking was Salah’s suggestion that next Saturday’s match against Brighton could be his last for Liverpool, as he prepares to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. “I called my mum yesterday because I knew – you guys didn’t know that I’m going to start or not – but I knew. I called my mum and that day, so I told them to come to the Brighton game. It doesn’t matter if I play or not, I’m going to enjoy it. We’ll see what’s going to happen. In my head I’m going to enjoy that game if I played or not, if I’m on the bench or not because I don’t know what’s gonna happen now. Say goodbye to the fans, we’re going to the Africa Cup. Because I don’t know what’s going to happen when I’m there.”
Salah’s words have sent shockwaves through the football world. Pundits such as Chris Sutton, Jim Beglin, and Guy Mowbray have criticized him for airing grievances so publicly, suggesting it only adds to the turmoil engulfing Liverpool. Yet, for many fans, Salah’s loyalty and contributions over the years make his pain all the more poignant. He affirmed, “I love the club so much and I always, I will always do. My kids will always support it.”
As Liverpool prepares for the visit of Brighton on December 13, uncertainty reigns. Will Salah feature? Will Slot survive the week as manager? Can the Reds arrest their alarming slide before the season slips away entirely? One thing is clear: the events of Elland Road and their aftermath have marked a turning point. The coming days promise more drama—and perhaps, the decisive action that many believe is now overdue.
