Arne Slot spoke frankly about the case of Mohamed Salah after the star player gave an interview that revealed a fractured relationship with the coach during the match against Leeds.
On 9 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Arne Slot, Liverpool's coach, openly addressed the media about Mohamed Salah's situation following the recent heated drama within the team, also admitting he could not answer questions about the Egyptian international forward's future.
Slot clearly stated,
"I have no idea if he will play for Liverpool again. I cannot answer that question right now."
The Dutch coach admitted he was surprised by Salah's remarks after the player said he was "made a scapegoat," with Slot saying,
"I was very surprised by his interview. He works hard and has always respected the staff. That's why it surprised me."
"He has every right to feel the way he does, but he does not have the right to speak publicly. We had to react to that."
Regarding Salah being left out of the squad for the UEFA Champions League match at Inter Milan, the Liverpool coach confirmed it was a direct club decision.
Slot stated,
"He did not travel with us, and this is the club's reaction to what happened."
On the issue of authority within the team, Slot spoke candidly,
"I don't feel my authority has been undermined, but it does make it harder for the team and club to work."
He also emphasized, "I am a polite person, calm, but that doesn't mean I am weak."
"So if players make such demands on many issues, it's something the club and I have to respond to. We responded clearly — he is not here (left out of the squad)."
Regarding his relationship with Salah, Slot confirmed,
"I didn't feel we had a problem until Saturday night," adding,
"Before that, we were still talking, and he always respected the staff."
About informing Salah he would not travel to Italy, Slot said straightforwardly,
"I told him at training that he would not be traveling with the team. It was a short conversation."
Meanwhile, Liverpool is struggling with poor form, winning only 4 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, with Slot admitting tactical problems,
"I have tried many solutions, but it has made us look vulnerable in some games."
All this unfolded before Salah was set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations and return during the January transfer window amid rumors of interest from several clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe.
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