🎙️ Salah suspended for Inter clash: Slot responds to his frustrated star | OneFootball

On the field, Liverpool's superstar Mohamed Salah had no influence during the Reds' game against Leeds last weekend, as he was only allowed to watch from the bench—and that was precisely why he made headlines after the game.

In an explosive interview, Salah claimed it felt like the club had "thrown him under the bus" and accused the management of breaking promises. He also fueled criticism of his coach Arne Slot. "There is no relationship between us," he said when asked about him.

Liverpool and Slot responded promptly by excluding Mo Salah from the squad for tomorrow's Champions League match against Inter Milan.

At the mandatory press conference, Slot confirmed the suspension today and commented on the situation surrounding the superstar.

When asked if he thought the "bus statement" was directed at him, the Dutchman evaded: "The only one who can answer that question is Mo himself. I can only guess, but that's not the right thing to do at the moment."

Slot hadn't perceived the relationship between him and the Reds legend as non-existent until Saturday afternoon. "But of course, he has the right to see things differently," the 47-year-old added. Salah's comments came as a surprise to him.

How could this conflict be resolved in the long term, and is Salah an option for the next Premier League game? Slot referred to the important duel against Milan for Liverpool, the suspension decision, and noted that "after tomorrow, we want to look at the situation again, and there is always the possibility for a player to come back."

An open discussion regarding the suspension apparently hasn't taken place yet: Salah's reaction to his coach's message was "very brief."

📸 Molly Darlington - 2025 Getty Images

Additionally, the criticized Liverpool coach explained why he had repeatedly benched Salah recently: "I have tried to find solutions for the team—that's my job, after all." He justified the decision with tactical considerations.

In his weekend outburst, Salah also added that he would say "Goodbye" at Anfield after the home game against Brighton next weekend. However, he avoided a clear admission that he wanted to leave the club, instead pointing to his departure for the Africa Cup.

Slot was also asked about a possible winter departure. "Hand on heart: Do you think he has played his last game for Liverpool?" Slot replied that he had "no idea" and could not "answer that question at the current time."

What do you think? Will Salah leave the Reds this winter after 420 appearances in a Liverpool jersey? Feel free to write it in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 OLI SCARFF - AFP or licensors