2025-12-10 11:46:34
Arne Slot has admitted the fallout with Mohamed Salah has been “an emotional time” after Liverpool earned a crucial 1-0 win over Inter Milan.
Speaking after the match, Slot addressed the tension around the 33-year-old foward’s furious public outburst, where he claimed that he had been “thrown under the bus” by The Reds and no longer had a relationship with the manager after being benched for three straight games.
Slot chose to leave the forward in England for the trip to Milan, a decision made jointly with the club’s hierarchy.
During an interview with Amazon Prime following the game, Slot told Clarence Seedorf: “You say everyone makes mistakes in life, so the first thing should be does the player think he’s made a mistake. The next question should be does the initiative come from me or from him?”
Later, Slot clarified he had not suggested Salah must take the first step in reconciliation.
He said: “Clarence said that was in his opinion. I didn’t say anything about who should make the first step or whatever. It was his opinion so I’m happy I can clarify that.”
The Liverpool manager acknowledged the wider strain caused by the controversy.
He said: “It has been an emotional time. To leave Elland Road having lost a third goal to draw 3-3 with Leeds was emotional.
“What happened afterwards was also emotional and it took some of the emotion away from the players – things that were said afterwards also affect the players because he is so influential.”
Salah suggested he may have played his final game for the club in the Premier League and hinted that “somebody wanted him out”, comments that have fuelled speculation of a January move, with Saudi Pro League interest long-standing.
Virgil van Dijk, 34, would not be drawn on whether Salah should apologise.
He said: “It’s difficult. But it’s a collective situation. Obviously between Mo and the club things are going on. Nothing changes in us wanting to get results … I’m not the one to speak about apologies. It’s him baring his feelings.”
Andy Robertson, 31, who joined Liverpool the same summer as Salah in 2017, stressed the need for internal unity.
He said: “It’s a tough situation… one of the greatest players ever to play at this club. Whatever happens now will be decided internally… I love playing with Mo Salah.”
In Liverpool’s Champions League game with Inter Milan, Dominik Szoboszlai, 25, secured The Reds victory with an 88th-minute penalty after Alessandro Bastoni, 26, hauled down Florian Wirtz, 22, easing pressure on Slot following a turbulent week.
However, Liverpool’s win also included VAR drama, with Ibrahima Konate, 26, denied a goal for handball before the decisive penalty was awarded.
Slot now turns attention to Brighton at Anfield, while Salah prepares to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations amid ongoing uncertainty about his future.
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