Liverpool secured a much-needed 2-0 victory against Brighton at Anfield on Saturday, but the spotlight remained firmly on Mohamed Salah's future with the club. The Egyptian forward, who has been the subject of intense speculation following a reported fallout with manager Arne Slot, made a significant impact after coming on as a first-half substitute.
Salah was initially left out of the starting lineup, marking his fourth consecutive Premier League game on the bench. Tensions reportedly arose after Salah expressed his anger at being a substitute and claimed he had "no relationship" with Slot, further suggesting he was being unfairly treated amidst Liverpool's recent struggles. However, an injury to Joe Gomez in the 26th minute forced Slot to call upon Salah, who received a rousing ovation from the Anfield crowd as he entered the pitch.
Slot addressed the media after the game, offering insights into his relationship with Salah and hinting at the player's future. When questioned about his decision to include Salah in the squad despite their recent disagreements, Slot stated, "It was an easy decision to put him in the squad and I've said many times before what has been said between the two of us, for me that stays between the two of us, and he was back in the squad again and we needed him because he was the first substitution I made".
Salah went on to deliver a strong performance, playing for over an hour and contributing an assist for Hugo Ekitike's second goal with a well-placed corner. He created five chances, had four shots, and recorded eight touches in the opposition's penalty box. Slot acknowledged Salah's impact, saying, "I think he was a threat. I think the first ball he touched he almost gave an assist to [Alexis] Mac Allister… He was constantly in the threat we had. It was pleasing to see but also not a surprise because he has done that many times in a Liverpool shirt".
Despite Salah's positive contribution on the field, questions persist about his long-term future at Liverpool. Slot's remarks on the situation have been carefully worded, suggesting that while there may have been disagreements, the pair are working towards a resolution. When asked if he was happy with the current situation with Mohamed Salah, Slot said “Yes of course, otherwise I would have done probably differently,”.
Slot also addressed Salah's upcoming departure to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Egypt, acknowledging that it would leave Liverpool short-handed. "He goes to Egypt now to the AFCON and that means for us, another player down. We already didn't have a lot today," Slot explained.
As the final whistle blew, Salah applauded the Liverpool fans, who had chanted his name throughout the game, seemingly appreciative of their unwavering support. The question remains whether this was Salah's final appearance for Liverpool, but Slot's comments suggest that the door is not entirely closed on his future at Anfield. The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining whether the Egyptian star will continue to don the Liverpool red or seek a new challenge elsewhere.
