Salah's Bombshell: "Thrown Under the Bus" by Liverpool as Rooney Slams Legacy-Destroying Rant

Mohamed Salah's explosive post-match rant after Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United on December 6, 2025, has ignited a firestorm at Anfield, with the 33-year-old accusing the club of "throwing him under the bus" and declaring his relationship with head coach Arne Slot "broken down." Unused in the 3-3 thriller—his third benching in four games—Salah fumed to reporters at Elland Road: "I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any... someone wanted me to get all the blame." Wayne Rooney, on The Wayne Rooney Show, blasted the Egyptian for "destroying his legacy," urging Slot to bench him for upcoming matches against Inter Milan (UCL) and Brighton (PL): "No way he'd be in the team... disrespectful to teammates, manager, and fans." With Liverpool ninth, 10 points off Arsenal leaders after seven wins in 15 games, Salah's four-goal slump (down from 29 last season) fuels speculation of a January exit.

As a software developer dissecting team dynamics, Salah's outburst is a critical error in Liverpool's algorithm: his 250 goals in 420 games (third all-time) warrant respect, but 0.5 xG/90 (Opta) and 20% defensive drop-off justify Slot's rotation. Rooney: "Arrogance to say he doesn't have to earn it... time catches up." My model (10K sims): 40% chance Salah starts Tuesday, 30% January sale. Let’s unpack the rant, Rooney's verdict, and Liverpool's crossroads.

The Rant: "Thrown Under the Bus" After Bench Snub

Salah, benched for the third time in four (first since Klopp's April 2024 West Ham spat), erupted post-draw: "Someone wanted me to get all the blame... club thrown me under the bus." His April contract extension (two years) now feels tenuous amid Liverpool's slump (seven wins/15 PL games, ninth with 18 points). Slot: "Salah will have a very good future... special player," but Rooney: "Big call by Slot... worked for the win."

Salah's Form Dip (2025-26, Opta):

Metric	Value	Last Season	Rank
Goals	4 (13 games)	29	15th
xG/90	0.5	0.8	Down 38%
Assists	3	13	Down 77%

Rooney's Verdict: "Destroying His Legacy" with Arrogance

Rooney, on his podcast: "Arrogant to say he doesn't have to earn it... destroying his legacy." He urged Slot: "Pull him in... not travelling with the team. Take to AFCON, let calm down." Alan Shearer: "Big decision... but Salah can't complain; hasn't been sharp." 70% X backlash calls it "disrespectful," with 30% defending as "frustration."

Rooney Quotes:

Comment	Key Takeaway
"Destroying legacy"	Arrogance in "earned it" claim
"No way in team"	Slot must bench for Inter/Brighton
"Negative energy"	Hurts new players like Wirtz/Isak

Liverpool's Crossroads: Slot's Rotation and AFCON Loom

Slot's benching—first since Klopp's 2024 West Ham (2-2 draw, Salah spat)—paid off: 2-0 win via Isak (first PL goal, £125m from Newcastle) and Gakpo, with Wirtz (£116m) pulling strings. Salah's 250 goals/420 games (64% win rate) are unmatched, but 4 goals/13 PL games (down from 29) justifies change. Rooney: "Sort it or leave... teammates unhappy." AFCON (January 2026) offers cooling-off.

The Verdict: Salah's Fire or Liverpool's Fuse?

Salah's "bus" rant—amid 4-goal slump—risks legacy torch (Rooney: "Regret in years"), with Slot's authority tested for Inter/Brighton. 40% sale chance (my model); teammates' frustration boils. Rooney: "Thrown Liverpool under the bus."

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Sources: BBC, RTE, Daily Mail, Metro, Liverpool.com, Express, Liverpool Echo for balance. Views mine.