Slot addresses Salah standoff as he is ‘definitely not enjoying’
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted he is “definitely not enjoying” the ongoing situation involving Mohamed Salah, as tensions ease ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot struck a conciliatory tone while acknowledging the strain caused by recent events involving the Egyptian forward.
I am definitely not enjoying this Mo Salah situation. We have won the league together and he has done so much for the club, Slot said.
Ideally, you are not in a situation like this with your player.
The comments come days after Salah publicly expressed his frustration at being left out of Liverpool’s starting XI for three consecutive matches, accusing the team of “throwing him under the bus.” The remarks sparked intense debate among fans and pundits, given Salah’s long-standing status as one of the club’s most influential figures.
In response to the situation, Salah was omitted from Liverpool’s travelling squad for the midweek UEFA Champions League fixture in Milan, where the Reds went on to secure a notable victory over Inter.
Slot insisted at the time that the decision was made in the best interests of the team, amid what he described as a need to “lower the temperature” around the dressing room.
According to reports, discussions have since taken place behind the scenes, leading to Salah’s reintegration into the squad. The 33-year-old is now back in contention for selection against Brighton, a match that will mark his final appearance for Liverpool before he links up with Egypt for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot emphasized the importance of unity as the season reaches a critical phase, hinting that both parties are keen to move forward.
With Liverpool balancing domestic ambitions and European commitments, Saturday’s clash with the Seagulls may not only test their mettle, but also signal whether calm has truly been restored between manager and star forward.