Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists he is “not weak” as he tries to steady the club amid Mohamed Salah’s explosive public criticism and unexpected exclusion from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
The 33-year-old winger was omitted after an interview in which he claimed Liverpool had “thrown [him] under the bus” and suggested his relationship with Slot had collapsed. The comments—rare in their directness from a player long viewed as a model professional—have sent shockwaves through the club and dominated the build-up to a crucial European fixture.
Speaking at San Siro on Monday evening, Slot cut a calm yet resolute figure. While admitting he was “surprised” by Salah’s remarks, the Dutchman made clear that discipline and collective standards would not be compromised.
“Usually I am calm and polite, but that doesn’t mean I am weak,” Slot said. “If a player has these comments about so many things, then it’s up to me and the club to react. We reacted in a way you can see—he’s not here.”
Slot insisted his authority had not been undermined but acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation. The conversation informing Salah he would not travel to Milan was “a short one”, he said, and the manager added he had “no clue” whether the Egyptian has already played his final game for the club.
However, Slot kept the door open: “There is always a possibility to return for a player.”
Sources within Liverpool say Salah’s absence is a joint decision supported by Slot and senior club figures, and that no formal disciplinary action will be taken. Instead, they believe some time away from match involvement will help defuse tensions after a week of uncharacteristically public drama.
Salah, who has scored 250 goals for Liverpool since joining in 2017, has endured a subdued campaign with just five goals in 19 appearances. His future has been widely debated in recent months amid speculation about interest from Saudi Arabia, and his contract—renewed in April—has added its own complexity to the narrative.
The winger’s frustrations, aired in his interview, were not directly addressed by Slot. “It is hard for me to know who he was talking about,” he said of Salah’s claim that “someone wants me to get all the blame.”
“He has the right to feel the way he does, but he does not have the right to share it with the media.”
Despite tensions, Salah has trained hard, Slot said, and there had been no open conflict between the pair. The manager attributed recent tactical adjustments—notably playing with an additional midfielder—to instability in the team’s performances against Nottingham Forest and PSV rather than personal issues.
Goalkeeper Alisson, speaking alongside Slot, offered measured support for both sides. While admitting the squad was “caught by surprise” by Salah’s comments, he emphasised the players’ affection for him and their hope he will return.
“This is not a situation that makes us happy,” Alisson said. “On a personal level we all love Mo. But as Liverpool players, we want the best for the club. We want a win-win situation for everyone.”
Alisson also backed Slot unequivocally, highlighting the manager’s philosophy and leadership as essential to navigating a difficult season.
Monday’s press conference was among the most highly anticipated of Liverpool’s recent history. For nearly ten minutes, every question centred solely on Salah. Slot responded firmly but diplomatically, declining to escalate the feud while making it clear he remains in charge.
Liverpool face Inter Milan with a depleted squad missing Salah, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo. Salah is expected to depart next week for the Africa Cup of Nations and looks set to miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton as well.
Regardless of the outcome in Milan, the Salah-Slot dispute will cast a long shadow until a definitive resolution emerges. For now, Slot has set his stance: firm, unflustered, and determined to keep Liverpool united in turbulent times.
