Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future with the club following the forward’s candid remarks that led to his exclusion from Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan.
The 33-year-old Salah was left out of the 19-man squad traveling to face Inter after claiming in a revealing Saturday interview that he was “thrown under the bus” by the club.
Salah also mentioned he no longer has a connection with manager Slot and implied that ‘someone’ at the club doesn’t want him there, despite his 250 goals, two Premier League titles, and a Champions League win at Anfield over eight years.
When asked if Salah would play again for Liverpool, Slot responded during Monday’s press conference: “I have no clue. I can’t answer that right now.”
Slot fielded questions about the Salah situation for 10 minutes, expressing surprise at the player’s comments after being an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw at Leeds United.
“I was somewhat surprised when I heard the comments he made after the game,” Slot told reporters. “Our response is clear, which is why he’s not with us tonight.”
Asked if he felt targeted by Salah’s outburst, Slot said: “Only Mo can answer that. I can guess, but that’s not the right approach now. It’s difficult to identify who he meant.”
Salah trained with the team on Monday under Slot’s supervision but was informed he wouldn’t travel to Italy.
“We informed him he wouldn’t be traveling with us, which was our only communication,” Slot added, describing Salah’s reaction as “brief.”
Salah’s performance has been criticized this season, and he was benched in last month’s 2-0 win against West Ham United. He played in a 1-1 home draw with Sunderland but remained unused at Leeds, leaving Liverpool ninth in the league.
In his Saturday outburst, Salah claimed he felt scapegoated for Liverpool’s challenges.
“He can feel how he does, but sharing it publicly isn’t right. He has that right, but we must respond,” Slot stated.
“I’m usually calm and polite, not weak. If a player comments on many matters, it’s on me and the club to react, and we’ve done so, as you see now.”
Slot, who led Liverpool to the title in his first season, now faces increased pressure amid the Salah situation.
“I don’t feel my authority is undermined,” he said. “I’m important here, but my focus is entirely on the team, not myself.”
Liverpool ranks 13th in the Champions League with nine points from five games, while Inter is fourth with 12 points.
