Arne Slot Says He’s Not Weak, but Salah Could Return

Liverpool manager Arne Slot insisted on Monday that he is neither weak nor undermined after Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah was omitted from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Inter Milan.

Slot, who took charge of the Reds last season, said the decision was purely a club matter and that he was surprised by Salah’s explosive interview, in which the player claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” and that their relationship had broken down.

Speaking at a press conference inside the San Siro, the Dutch coach explained, “Usually I am calm and polite, but that does not mean I am weak. If a player has these comments about many things, it is up to the club and me to react, and we have reacted – he is not traveling with us.”

When asked whether he felt his authority had been challenged, Slot categorically denied it, adding, “I do not feel my authority is undermined; that is not how I see the situation.” He also said he has no idea if Salah has played his last game for Liverpool, but stressed that a return is always possible.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker backed the manager, stating, “We believe in Arne’s style of play and we stand behind him. We all love Mo personally, but the team must move forward.” Alisson’s support highlights the unity within the dressing room despite the media storm.

Sources close to the club told BBC Sport that the decision to leave Salah out of the squad was taken with Slot’s full backing and is intended as a brief pause, not a disciplinary sanction. The club plans no formal punishment, aiming to protect both parties while Salah prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins next Monday.

The omission comes as Liverpool also sit without forwards Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa and defensive midfielder Wataru Endo for the Inter match. The Reds have struggled this season, looking vulnerable against Nottingham Forest and PSV, prompting Slot to experiment with an extra midfielder.

Ghanaian football fans, who closely follow the Premier League, will be watching the saga closely, especially as former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Ayew continues to feature for the Ghana national team. The outcome may influence how African players manage club‑national duties amid high‑profile disputes.

The next update is expected after Liverpool’s encounter with Inter Milan, where the final decision on Salah’s future could become clearer.

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