The bench has always been an unfamiliar place for Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on as Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, is seen during a Liverpool Training Session
Mohamed Salah has quite the reputation for his competitiveness
Mohamed Salah was reduced to tears on the bench during the 2018 World Cup. The Liverpool icon, known for his competitive spirit, had spearheaded his country's first participation in the tournament since 1990.
However, a shoulder injury forced him to watch Egypt's opening match against Uruguay from the sidelines. The team suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat due to Jose Maria Gimenez's last-minute goal, leading to an emotional breakdown from the winger at the end of the match.
In the midst of speculation about his future at Anfield, following accusations that the club had "thrown me under the bus" last weekend, his BBC documentary 'Mo Salah: Never Give Up' premiered on Wednesday.
The show chronicles his journey to international fame, and reveals his tearful reaction to Egypt's loss in Russia, as recounted by former team-mate Ahmed Elmohamady. The ex-Hull City and Aston Villa defender recalled: "He didn't play the first game.
"He was crying, I remember that, in the dressing room after the game he didn't play. For him it was an absolute nightmare." Salah's emotional response to not being able to support his teammates underscores his competitive nature.
However, his recent time on the bench for Liverpool was due to selection choices rather than injury, with Salah criticising the club and stating he has no relationship with Arne Slot following the Reds' 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
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Mohamed Salah on the bench
Mohamed Salah was told to apologise to Liverpool and Arne Slot after his weekend rant
"I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," the 33-year-old said at Elland Road. "That's the third time. It's the first time in my career I think. I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season, It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.
"That's how I feel [about] it. Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I'm on bench so I can say they haven't kept those promises. I used to have a good relationship (with Slot).
"Now we don't have any relationship and I don't know why. Seems like someone does not want me in the club. I called my mum and dad and told them to come to the Brighton game.
Egypt's midfielder Mohamed Elneny (C) celebrates scoring the opener
Ahmed Elmohamady played with Salah for eight years
"It doesn't matter if I play or not. I'm going to enjoy it. I am just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don't know what is going to happen when I am there.
"It's not acceptable to me to be fair. If I was somewhere else,every club would protect its players. Now it's: 'Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in a team.'" Salah was left out from the Reds squad in their Champions League face-off against Inter Milan, which they clinched with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday night.
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