Monday 8 December 2025 19:53, UK
Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave a brief, unambiguous reply after Mohamed Salah’s weekend interview when asked why the forward was left out of the matchday squad: “My reaction is clear, he’s not here tonight.”
Slot declined to discuss the specifics of Salah’s comments, saying any issues between club and player would be handled internally. He stressed that selection choices are made with both the short- and long-term interests of the team in mind and that preserving dressing-room unity is a priority.
Salah’s interview, widely reported as explosive, has fuelled speculation about his relationship with the club. Slot would not confirm the content of any private conversations, only that discussions will continue behind closed doors and that the immediate focus must remain on preparing for upcoming fixtures.
Pressed on whether the omission was disciplinary, tactical or for rest, Slot reiterated he would not catalogue internal decisions publicly, and that every call is taken with the squad’s collective welfare in mind. He added that Salah’s route back into the squad will depend on the outcome of those talks and on the player’s actions moving forward.