Arne Slot has responded to Mo Salah after the Liverpool talisman’s bombshell in the Elland Road mixed zone.
Liverpool’s woes continues again on Saturday when they conceded a 96th minute equaliser away at Leeds United, drawing 3-3 just days after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.
But the biggest talking point came after the game when Salah went out of his way to speak his mind in a shock interview with various media outlets.
The Egyptian, who fired Liverpool to a historic Premier League title last season, found himself on the bench for the third game running and was an unused substitute.
Frustrated with his situation just months after signing a contract extension, Salah claimed that the club had “thrown me under the bus” and that it “is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame”.
Salah proceeded to say that he and Slot “don’t have any relationship” and also said that “someone doesn’t want me in the club” as he discussed his future.
The 33-year-old was present in training on Monday but was not included in Slot’s travelling squad for the trip to Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Instead, the Dutchman brought in 19-year-old defender Wellity Lucky, who made his first appearance for the club in the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in October.
Speaking to media in Monday’s press conference about the Salah situation, Slot revealed that the only communication they’ve had was when he informed the forward he would not make the journey to Milan.
“We’ve let him know he’s not travelling with us,” Slot explained.
“That’s been the only communication between us and him.”
Asked how Salah reacted, Slot said it was “a short one”.
When quizzed on whether Salah can return to the fold amid all transfer speculation, he stated: “I am a firm believer there’s always a possibility to return.”
When pressed on whether Salah has played his last game for the club, he simply said: “I have no clue.”
Slot breaks silence on Salah
Slot said that he does not feel the rapport between the two has broken down but added that Salah “has the right to feel how he feels things”.
He also said that Salah was “very respectful” to his colleagues and trained really hard ahead of the Leeds clash, making it a “surprise” when he spoke out in an explosive manner.
“When I didn’t play him anymore usually players don’t like the manager that much, but he was very respectful to the staff members and to his team-mates and he trained really hard so it was a bit of a surprise when I heard he gave those comments,” Slot said.
“But it’s not the first time a player hasn’t played and my reaction to that is also clear and that’s why he isn’t here tonight.”
He added: “When a player says things like that we have to react as a club. And you can see he is not here.”
After around 10 minutes of Salah questions, Liverpool’s press officer interjected and put a halt to proceedings – shifting focus to the upcoming game with Inter.
