Liverpool manager Arne Slot has come under intense scrutiny after omitting Mohamed Salah from the squad for the club’s upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan. Salah’s public criticism of the decision has raised questions about the manager’s standing within the dressing room, though goalkeeper Alisson Becker has voiced strong support for Slot and his leadership.
Slot spoke openly about the situation for the first time after being questioned for 17 minutes, describing it as the toughest challenge of his managerial career. When asked if playing Salah more frequently might have prevented the fallout, Slot suggested that the striker’s discontent may stem from deeper issues beyond playing time. “He has every right to feel what he feels. He has the right to share it with the media, but it’s then up to us to react,” Slot remarked.
Salah’s outspoken criticism has led to speculation of a divide within the squad, but Alisson disputed claims that the manager has lost control of the dressing room. The goalkeeper maintained a positive view of Slot, praising his tactical knowledge and his ability to steer the team through a difficult period. “My relationship with the manager is fine,” Alisson said, adding that the squad respects Slot’s style and remains committed to turning the current situation around. He also noted that the challenge is not just about the players but involves the entire club.
Despite the tension, Slot emphasized that his authority remains intact. “I don’t feel my authority is undermined, it is not the way I feel it,” he said. “It is not about me. If my life is difficult, it is more difficult for the team, the club. No one likes to be in this situation.” The manager also revealed that he and Salah had a brief conversation on the training ground, although the Egyptian forward remains visibly frustrated. Slot denied that their relationship is broken, stating, “That is not how I feel. I haven’t felt that at all until Saturday evening.”
Liverpool’s hierarchy continues to back Slot’s decision to exclude Salah from the squad, which was made in consultation with senior club officials. Salah’s absence comes amid other forward line setbacks, with Cody Gakpo sidelined for weeks due to injury and Federico Chiesa missing the trip due to illness.
The situation has drawn criticism beyond the club, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher describing Salah’s behavior as a “disgrace.” Speaking on a post-match analysis program, Carragher argued that Salah’s outburst was coordinated with his agent to cast doubt on the manager and potentially influence future decisions regarding Slot’s tenure.
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion is scheduled for Saturday, but it remains unclear whether Salah will feature. Following that match, the forward is set to join Egypt’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The evolving tensions between player and manager represent a significant challenge for Liverpool amid a critical phase of their season.