Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed Mohamed Salah’s recent criticism of the club after the Egyptian star was unexpectedly excluded from the Champions League squad to face Inter Milan. The 33-year-old forward publicly expressed frustration about being benched for three consecutive matches and claimed his relationship with Slot had become almost “non-existent” following the 3-3 draw with Leeds United. Speaking in the mixed zone after the match Salah accused the club of sidelining him emotionally and professionally sparking intense speculation about his long-term future at Anfield.
Slot explained that the club had taken internal action and insisted that firm decisions do not indicate weakness but responsibility. The manager said Salah’s comments surprised him because the striker had continued to train with full commitment and had shown respect toward the staff and teammates despite his lack of game time. Slot clarified that emotional reactions from players who are not starting are not uncommon but emphasised that Liverpool’s response was clear and reflected in Salah’s absence from the matchday squad.
With Salah scheduled to join Egypt for Africa Cup of Nations preparations on Monday his availability for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brighton is also in doubt. Depending on Egypt’s tournament progress Salah may not return until mid-January adding further uncertainty to an already tense situation.
When asked about the forward’s long-term future Slot admitted he had “no clue” whether Salah had played his final match for Liverpool. He maintained that there is always a possibility for a player to return to the fold but avoided giving definitive answers about the striker’s status. This ambiguity has fuelled speculation as Liverpool continue to struggle in the Premier League where they sit ninth with 23 points from 16 matches. Their Champions League form has also been unconvincing with the defending English champions currently 13th in the tournament standings after five games.