Slot says he has no idea if Salah played his most recent game for Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed uncertainty regarding whether Mohamed Salah had played his final match for the club, following the Egypt forward’s candid remarks that led to his exclusion from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.
Salah, 33, was left out of the 19-man squad for the Inter match following his remarks about being “thrown under the bus” by the club during a candid interview on Saturday.
He mentioned that he no longer maintains a relationship with Dutchman Slot and that ‘someone’ does not want him at the club where he has scored 250 goals, secured two Premier League titles, and won a Champions League during eight unforgettable years at Anfield.
When asked if Salah would return to play for the club, Slot responded during his pre-match press conference on Monday: “I have no clue.” At this time, I am unable to provide an answer to that question.
Slot addressed inquiries regarding the Salah situation for 10 minutes, expressing his surprise at the player’s remarks following his role as an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United.
“I was somewhat taken aback when I learned after the game about the comments he made,” Slot informed reporters on Monday. “However, I believe our, my, response to that is also evident, and that is the reason he is not present with us this evening.”
When asked if he believed Salah’s outburst was aimed at him, Slot replied: “The only person who can answer that question is Mo himself.” I can speculate, but I believe that may not be the appropriate course of action at this moment. Honestly, it’s difficult for me to determine who he is referring to in that situation.
Salah is not traveling to Milan.
Salah participated in training with the squad on Monday, while Slot observed, but he was informed that he would not be traveling to Italy.
“We informed him that he wouldn’t be traveling with us, and that was the extent of our communication with him,” Slot stated, noting that Salah’s response was “brief.”
Salah’s performance has faced criticism this season, and he was sidelined during last month’s 2-0 victory against West Ham United. He made an appearance in the 1-1 home draw against Sunderland but remained an unused substitute in the match against Leeds, which left Liverpool in ninth place.
In Saturday’s outburst, Salah expressed that he felt he had been unfairly singled out for Liverpool’s difficulties.
He is entitled to his emotions, but he should refrain from disclosing them to the media. “He has that right; however, it is our responsibility to respond to it,” Slot stated.
“I believe I am generally composed and courteous, but that does not imply I lack strength.”
Slot guided Liverpool to the title in his inaugural season, yet he is facing increased scrutiny this year, with the Salah situation intensifying the pressure he is experiencing.
“I don’t sense that my authority is being challenged,” he stated. “In this situation, I do hold some importance, but my current focus is entirely on the team rather than on myself.”
Liverpool currently sits in 13th place in the Champions League table, having accumulated nine points from five matches, whereas Inter holds the fourth position with 12 points.
