Liverpool manager Arne Slot insisted he is still in charge after Mohamed Salah’s incendiary weekend interview, in which the Egyptian forward declared their working relationship had collapsed entirely.
The Dutch head coach addressed the controversy during a press conference in Milan on Monday evening, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Inter.
“It was a surprise to me when I heard he gave the comments he gave,” Slot remarked.
The 33-year-old winger has been omitted from the travelling party for the European encounter, following his claims that Liverpool had “thrown under the bus” him.
Arne Slot insisted he is not weak after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s rogue interview
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Slot was keen to dispel any notion that his measured approach signified vulnerability.
“Usually I am calm and polite, but that doesn’t mean I am weak,” he stated firmly.
The manager revealed that his sole communication with Salah since Saturday’s outburst consisted of informing the player he would not be making the journey to Italy.
When questioned about the nature of that exchange, Slot offered a terse response: “A short one.”
Pressed on whether the Egyptian had made his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt, the Dutchman admitted uncertainty.
“I have no clue, I cannot answer that question at this point in time,” he acknowledged.
Nevertheless, Slot refused to close the door permanently on the forward’s Anfield future.
Mohamed Salah’s interview sent shockwaves through the club
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“I’m a firm believer there’s always a possibility to return for a player,” he maintained.
Any decision regarding Salah’s availability for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton would be assessed following the Inter fixture.
Slot provided his rationale for leaving Salah on the bench across Liverpool’s previous three matches, pointing to defensive frailties that necessitated tactical adjustments.
“We as a team have struggled this season,” he explained. “We looked very vulnerable against Nottingham Forest and PSV so I decided to play with an extra midfielder.”
The manager acknowledged that prior to the weekend’s explosive remarks, Salah had conducted himself professionally at the training ground.
“He was very respectful and has trained really hard before the weekend,” Slot noted.
However, he drew a clear distinction between private disagreements and public declarations.
“He has the right to feel the way he does, but he does not have the right to share it with the media,” the Dutchman asserted.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker offered a more conciliatory perspective on the affair, expressing his desire to see his teammate return to the fold.
Arne Slot admitted Mohamed Salah could return to the first team
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“I hope he plays again for the club,” the Brazilian stated.
The shot-stopper acknowledged that opinions within the dressing room were not uniform regarding Salah’s public outburst.
“All the players are going to have different thoughts about the situation and that’s OK,” Alisson observed.
He emphasised that the squad sought an outcome beneficial to all parties concerned.
“I don’t think I am the problem” 😤
The full interview from Mohamed Salah that has stunned Liverpool 🔴
🎥 @viaplaypremiersunday pic.twitter.com/Fu2tOWolKk
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 7, 2025
“We want a win-win situation for everyone,” he added.
Salah, who has netted 250 goals since arriving from Roma in 2017, is due to depart for Africa Cup of Nations duty next Monday.
