Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said he was “surprised” by the remarks made by forward Mohamed Salah, claiming their relationship had broken down.
The comments follow a period in which the forward was benched for three consecutive matches, including the recent 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
Slot denied that he felt his relationship with Salah had soured – and did not rule out the possibility of the player returning to the squad.
After Saturday’s match, Salah told reporters he felt like the club had “thrown me under the bus,” suggesting a breakdown in communications and trust.
He added that what had once been a good relationship with his manager was now non-existent, cryptically saying, “I don’t know why, it seems to me, how I see it, someone doesn’t want me in the club.”
Slot insists, however, that he was blindsided by Salah’s words.
He said the only contact since the interview was a brief message informing the forward he would not travel with the team to Italy for their Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.
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Slot leaves door open… for now
When asked whether Salah had played his final game for the club, Slot replied bluntly: “I have no clue.”
He added that, in principle, he believes any player has a chance to return – but that a decision on Salah’s inclusion would only be made after the Inter match.
“I have tried to prepare my team in the best possible way for the game [on Tuesday, December 9].
“The most thoughts I have had are about [Tuesday]. After [Tuesday], we will look at the situation again,” Slot continued.
The manager stressed that the decision to leave Salah out stemmed from tactical considerations.
In his view, selection decisions reflect what’s best for the club, not personal issues.
Salah’s public comments mark a sharp turn from private frustration to open discontent.
After spending eight seasons at Liverpool and contributing significantly in goals and appearances, the 33-year-old accused the club of breaking promises and treating him unfairly.
At the moment, the path ahead is uncertain.
Salah is expected to join his national side ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which could further prolong any resolution.
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