Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League trip to Inter Milan have been overshadowed by an unexpected rift between Mohamed Salah and manager Arne Slot.
The Egyptian superstar has been left out of the travelling squad for Tuesday night’s game at San Siro, following a controversial interview in which he accused the club of “throwing him under the bus.”
Slot, facing an intense media grilling, admitted he couldn’t guarantee Salah will play for Liverpool again, describing the situation as one of the toughest of his coaching career.
Slot Responds to Salah Controversy
Speaking to reporters, Slot appeared measured but firm.
When asked directly whether Salah would feature for Liverpool again, he admitted:
“I have no clue. I cannot answer that question at this point in time.”
He added that he believes there is always a chance for players to return, emphasizing that remaining calm and polite doesn’t mean he is weak.
“When a player says things like that, we have to react as a club,” he explained, pointing out Salah’s absence from the Milan squad as part of that reaction.
A Rough Patch for Liverpool
Liverpool’s recent form has been patchy, with just four wins from 15 matches, sparking criticism of both Slot and Salah.
The forward has not started in the previous three games, which appears to have fueled his frustration.
Salah trained at the AXA Training Centre on Monday morning but was informed he would not be joining the team for the Italian trip—a decision made by the club hierarchy, not as a formal punishment.
Slot on Avoiding the Fallout
Slot reflected on whether he could have handled the situation differently.
“The answer could be to just play him every single time, but maybe that’s not why he said what he said,” he admitted.
He stressed that Salah has the right to express his feelings publicly, but it’s up to the club to respond accordingly.
Alisson Backs the Manager
Concerns have been raised that Slot may have lost the dressing room, but goalkeeper Alisson defended the head coach.
“My relationship with the manager is fine,” he said, adding that players should not take last season’s successes for granted.
He expressed confidence in Slot’s knowledge and style, believing the Dutch coach can help the team turn the situation around.
Testing Authority Amid Squad Split
Slot faced 17 minutes of tough questioning, during which he gradually opened up about the pressure he is under.
He confirmed that Salah’s comments tested his authority but insisted his position is supported by the club hierarchy.
“I don’t feel my authority is undermined,” Slot said.
“It’s about what’s hardest for the team and club, not me personally.”
Brief Conversations at Training
Reports indicate that Slot and Salah had a short discussion at the training ground on Monday, with the Egyptian still frustrated.
The decision to drop him from the squad was intended as a short-term measure.
Salah’s participation in Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against Brighton remains undecided before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Injuries Complicate Squad Selection
Salah isn’t the only absentee for the trip to Milan.
Cody Gakpo is sidelined with a long-term injury, Federico Chiesa missed the flight due to illness, and Wataru Endo, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable.
Several young players have been called up to supplement the squad for the Champions League match.
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