Liverpool, England – Amidst the jubilation of Liverpool's narrow 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan at San Siro, secured by Dominik Szoboszlai's late penalty, manager Arne Slot found himself navigating a far less celebratory topic: his relationship with star forward Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian international was notably absent from the squad, a decision that followed a week of turmoil sparked by Salah's critical comments about Slot and the club.
Following Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds United, where Salah was left as an unused substitute, the 33-year-old voiced his frustrations, stating he felt "thrown under the bus" and that his relationship with Slot had broken down. These remarks, interpreted by many as indirect criticism of the Liverpool boss, have cast a shadow over Salah's future at Anfield and ignited speculation about a potential January move, with Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly waiting in the wings.
In the post-match press conference, Slot addressed the Salah situation with a measured tone, acknowledging the elephant in the room. When asked about a possible reconciliation, he played coy, offering neither a clear path forward nor a definitive closing of the door. "I fully understand that on Friday, in the press conference, all the questions will be about Mo," Slot stated, seemingly resigned to the topic dominating upcoming discussions. He pondered aloud whether the onus was on him or Salah to initiate reconciliation.
Slot's reluctance to elaborate further only adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans and pundits alike to question Salah's future at the club. While some reports suggest Liverpool remains committed to Salah until the end of his contract in 2027, the player's outburst and subsequent omission from the Champions League squad have undoubtedly created a tense atmosphere.
The Liverpool hierarchy, however, appear to be firmly behind Slot, dismissing any doubts about his future at this stage. Despite a less than stellar run of form that sees the team sitting 10th in the Premier League, the club believes Slot can turn things around and build upon the success of last season.
Meanwhile, Salah reported for training at Liverpool's base, posting a photo on social media of himself in the gym. This action, described as more subtle than his previous statement, adds another layer of intrigue to the situation.
The absence of Salah in the crucial Champions League fixture underscores the severity of the situation. While Liverpool managed to secure a vital win, their first away Champions League victory without Salah since 2009, the lingering questions surrounding his future and relationship with Slot continue to overshadow the team's achievements.
As Liverpool prepares for their next Premier League game against Brighton, followed by Salah's expected departure for the Africa Cup of Nations, the clock is ticking to resolve this internal conflict. Whether reconciliation is possible, and whether Salah will remain a Liverpool player beyond January, remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of one of Liverpool's most iconic players and the stability of Arne Slot's reign at Anfield.
