Liverpool Manager Responds to Mohamed Salah's Comments
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has asserted that he is "not weak" and refuted claims that the situation with Mohamed Salah has diminished his authority.
The 33-year-old winger was excluded from the squad for the upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan after he made headlines with an interview, in which he stated he felt "thrown under the bus" by Liverpool and that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated.
Slot expressed his surprise at Salah's remarks, stating that he does not share those feelings. Speaking in Milan on Monday evening, he mentioned that he had "no clue" whether Salah, who signed a new two-year contract in April, had played his final game for Liverpool, but he remains optimistic about the possibility of a player's return.
"I usually maintain a calm and polite demeanor, but that does not equate to weakness," he said. "If a player has these kinds of demands regarding multiple issues, it falls upon me and the club to respond. Our reaction is evident—he is not here."
Slot further clarified, "I do not feel that my authority has been undermined; that is not my perception. After tomorrow, we will reassess the situation. There is always a chance for a player to return. I cannot confirm whether he has played his last game for Liverpool at this moment."
Salah claimed in his interview that it was "very clear that someone wants me to take all the blame," but Slot stated he was unsure if that remark was directed at him. He explained his reasoning behind leaving Salah out of the squad for the last three matches.
"It is difficult for me to ascertain who he was referencing," Slot noted. "That is not how I feel. He has the right to his feelings, but he does not have the right to express them publicly."
He acknowledged that while they were on speaking terms, it did not mean they always agreed. "This is not the first nor the last time a player who is not in the lineup has voiced similar sentiments. Our team has faced challenges this season, and I have been working to find solutions. We have tried various approaches and appeared vulnerable against Nottingham Forest and PSV, which led me to opt for an additional midfielder."
Sources informed BBC Sport that the decision to leave Salah at home was made with Slot's full backing, emphasizing that it is in the best interests of all parties for the player to take a brief break from selection, considering the timing and nature of his public comments.
It is understood that no formal disciplinary action will be taken by the club. Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday and is also expected to miss Liverpool's Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.
Since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool but has only netted five in 19 appearances this season.
I Hope He Plays for Liverpool Again
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has stated that Salah's teammates have differing opinions regarding his comments, but he personally hopes for Salah's return. "I hope he plays again for the club," Alisson remarked. "This is a personal matter between Mo and the club. As his teammates and friends, we wish for the best outcome for him. All the players may have different views on the situation, which is perfectly fine. However, as Liverpool players, we also want what is best for the club, aiming for a win-win situation for everyone involved."