Arne Slot has ‘moved on’ after Mohamed Salah’s outburst | OneFootball

Liverpool managing noise around Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s season under Arne Slot has been defined by authority and calm, even when the volume around the club has threatened to rise. The Premier League title in 2024/25 established Slot’s credentials quickly, but it has been the handling of senior figures like Mohamed Salah that has underlined his control of the dressing room.

Earlier this month, Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds United in a game that became a flashpoint for discussion far beyond the pitch. Salah, frustrated after being benched for three consecutive matches against West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds, spoke openly about feeling marginalised. The language was striking, suggesting that the club had “thrown him under the bus” and that his relationship with Slot was “broken”.

For a manager still in his first season in English football, the situation could have lingered. Instead, Liverpool moved decisively.

Arne Slot’s response to controversy

Slot’s public response was measured and deliberate, reflecting a manager keen to remove emotion from the conversation. After Salah returned to the squad against Brighton, Slot made it clear that actions mattered more than words.

“When I used him in the squad against Brighton, that was a sign that we had moved on.”

The message was simple. Liverpool would not be defined by interviews or reactionary headlines. Salah came on during the 2-0 win over Brighton and delivered an assist, contributing in a way that felt both timely and symbolic.

Slot was equally clear about drawing a line under the issue once Salah departed for international duty.

“But we have moved on and he is now away at AFCON so it is fair to him and Egypt if we don’t talk about this.”

Rather than prolonging the debate, Slot redirected focus back to the squad at his disposal.

“Instead we should be talking about Liverpool and the players I have here, that is fair.”

Mohamed Salah’s impact beyond Anfield

Salah’s departure for AFCON with Egypt has added another layer to the narrative. Any lingering questions about confidence or form were answered quickly when he scored the winning goal in Egypt’s opening group match. For Liverpool supporters, it served as a reminder of Salah’s enduring quality and competitive edge.

Salah remains one of the most influential players in the Liverpool squad. His relationship with Arne Slot will continue to be scrutinised, but the manager’s insistence on letting selection decisions speak for themselves has reduced the scope for ongoing tension.

“It is in the best interests of us and him that we have already shown in actions that we have moved on.”

Liverpool focus remains collective

Liverpool’s strength this season has been collective discipline rather than individual prominence. Slot has consistently framed success around the group, a philosophy that carried the club to the Premier League title and continues to shape decision making.

With Salah away at AFCON, Liverpool have an opportunity to reinforce that message. When he returns, the expectation is not a reset, but a continuation. The episode has already been absorbed into the wider rhythm of a campaign built on control, clarity and results.