Liverpool manager Arne Slot firmly asserts that he is “not weak” and refutes claims that the recent situation with Mohamed Salah has compromised his authority.
The 33-year-old winger has been omitted from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan after delivering a candid interview in which he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club, and suggested that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated.
Slot expressed surprise at Salah’s remarks, stating that he does not share that sentiment. Speaking in Milan on Monday night, he mentioned that he had “no clue” if Salah, who recently extended his contract in April, had played his last game for Liverpool, adding that he believes “there is always a possibility for a player to return.”
He described informing Salah that he would not be traveling to Milan as a “short conversation.”
“I usually exhibit calmness and politeness, but that does not equate to weakness,” he stated.
“If a player has particular demands regarding multiple issues, it is for me and the club to respond. We have reacted accordingly by excluding him from the squad.”
Slot continued, “I do not feel that my authority has been compromised; that is not how I perceive the situation. We will reassess after tomorrow. There’s always a chance for a player to come back. I cannot definitively say whether he has played his last game for Liverpool.”
Salah mentioned in his interview that it was “very clear that someone wants me to bear all the blame,” but Slot indicated that he was uncertain if those remarks were directed at him and elaborated on his reasons for sidelining Salah in the last three matches.
“It is challenging for me to ascertain whom he was addressing,” Slot remarked.
He added, “That is not how I feel. He has the right to express his feelings, but he should not air them publicly.”
Slot acknowledged that they had been on speaking terms, although they did not always see eye to eye. “This occurrence is not unprecedented; players often voice similar sentiments when not selected to play,” he noted.
He explained the team’s struggles this season, stating, “I’ve been working on solutions, which is my responsibility. We attempted various strategies and looked vulnerable against Nottingham Forest and PSV, thus I opted to include an additional midfielder.”
Sources have informed BBC Sport that the decision to leave Salah behind was made with Slot’s full backing, and that it serves the best interests of everyone involved for the player to take a brief hiatus from selection, considering the timing of his public remarks.
It is reported that no formal disciplinary measures will be taken by the club. Salah is scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday, and he is also likely to miss Liverpool’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool but has managed only five in 19 appearances this season.
Slot has named a 19-player squad for Tuesday’s match, with Liverpool also missing forwards Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa, as well as defensive midfielder Wataru Endo.
‘I hope he plays for Liverpool again’
Alisson addresses the media at San Siro Stadium [Getty Images]
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson shared that Salah’s teammates have differing opinions regarding his comments, but he expressed a desire for the winger to return. “This situation is not one that brings us joy, especially since we all personally care for Mo,” he said.
“We were somewhat taken aback, but we understand it’s a personal matter, and we are leaving it between him and the club.”
Alisson stated, “What we believe does not enter the equation. Our hope is for him and the club to reach a resolution beneficial for everyone involved.” He concluded, “I hope he plays again for Liverpool.”
He further added, “As his teammates and friends, we wish the best for him, but as players of Liverpool FC, we also want the best for the club. We aspire for a win-win situation for all parties.”
Alisson also voiced support for his manager, stating, “We have faith in his style of play and believe he can help us navigate this situation.”
Analysis – Slot makes it clear he is in charge
As 48 hours passed since Salah’s comments, Arne Slot seized the opportunity to share his perspective.
Despite Monday being a public holiday in Milan, the media room at San Siro remained abuzz. It was hard to think of a more eagerly awaited pre-match press conference in recent times.
Slot utilized humor to initiate the gathering, jokingly noting that a reporter had posed five questions in one, but as the conference progressed, it became increasingly clear who held authority.
When BBC Sport inquired about his understanding of Salah’s claim of being “thrown under the bus,” Slot firmly replied, “Although I am usually calm and polite, I am not weak. If a player expresses concerns of this nature, it becomes our responsibility to respond, which we have by leaving him out of the squad.”
Slot’s assertive stance was backed by Alisson, who emphasized that the Liverpool team fully supports their manager, especially one who has led them to a Premier League title.
This affirmation from a senior player was crucial as Slot was questioned about his authority being undermined by the saga. He firmly refuted such claims, despite expressing surprise at Salah’s comments.
The Liverpool coach kept details to a minimum, stating the conversation with Salah was brief, but offered enough clarity on the situation without escalating tensions.
Importantly, he left the door open for Salah, although he admitted he had “no clue” whether the 33-year-old had played his final match for the club. The club maintains that Salah is under contract, as Slot noted, emphasizing his belief in the potential for a player to return.
After spending the first 10 minutes of the press conference focused solely on Salah, the club’s media officer indicated that it was time to transition to questions about the upcoming match.
Ultimately, regardless of the outcome against Inter Milan, it is clear this situation will continue to be a focal point until a definitive resolution is reached.