The relationship between Mohamed Salah (33) and Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (47) has deteriorated dramatically, as evidenced by the Egyptian forward's exclusion from the squad for the UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan. According to the club's official announcement, Salah will not feature in Tuesday night’s critical fixture, igniting speculation that the decision is linked to his recent outspoken remarks.
The match against Inter, scheduled for Tuesday at 21:00, comes at a turbulent time for Liverpool. After an exceptional 2024/25 championship-winning campaign and an ambitious summer of transfers, the Reds are struggling to find form. The criticism has extended to Salah, who was again benched in last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United (3:3)—the third consecutive game he started among the substitutes.
“I'm very disappointed; I did a lot for this club, especially last season. It feels like the club threw me under the bus. Someone wants me to take all the blame.”
These bold comments appear to have repercussions, as he was left out of the Champions League squad.
Reports suggest that Liverpool’s management made several promises to Salah over the summer—promises that, according to the star winger, went unfulfilled. Adding to the controversy were his comments about the deteriorated relationship with manager Slot.
“We had a good relationship. Now we have none, and I don’t know why. It seems like someone doesn’t want me to be at the club.”
According to BBC’s Sami Mokhbel, Salah can no longer envision staying at Liverpool under Slot. The Egyptian feels that this season’s tactical shift, influenced by the club's transfer moves, doesn't suit him. He also reportedly believes that criticisms from pundits and former Liverpool players have swayed Slot’s attitudes towards him.
This escalating situation has fueled renewed speculation about Salah’s potential departure. He had been linked several times to a move to Saudi Arabia but ended up extending his Liverpool contract in April until 2027.
Since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has become a modern legend at Anfield, winning nine major trophies including two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. His record with Liverpool stands at 420 appearances, 250 goals, and 116 assists—a remarkable contribution.
As emotions run high and results falter, Salah’s absence from the squad and his strained relationship with Slot may mark the beginning of significant changes at Liverpool.