Liverpool star honest on Salah feelings | OneFootball

Konate backs Salah future after Anfield return under Slot

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield carried significance beyond the scoreline. Amid the late-December tension generated by Mohamed Salah’s post-match comments following the draw with Leeds United, the forward’s return to action — and decisive contribution — offered a public resolution to what had become an increasingly noisy situation. Ibrahima Konate, speaking after the match, moved quickly to dampen speculation, insisting Salah’s bond with Liverpool remains intact and his future secure.

Salah, introduced during the first half, provided the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, a contribution that felt both timely and symbolic. It came days after his omission from the squad for the Champions League trip to Inter Milan and weeks of conjecture about his standing under Arne Slot. On the pitch, however, the message was unmistakable: Salah remains integral to Liverpool’s immediate ambitions.

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Konate confidence reflects dressing-room mood

In an interview with Canal+, Konate was clear when asked whether the Brighton match could represent Salah’s final appearance in red. “Personally, no, I don’t think so,” he said. “Today you saw how much he loves this club.”

Konate’s comments were notable not just for their optimism, but for their realism. There was no attempt to ignore the backdrop of frustration that had surrounded Salah in recent weeks. Instead, the defender contextualised it within the pressures faced by elite players who have consistently delivered at the highest level.

“What happened with him you have to understand the frustration sometimes felt by players who have such a career, who have done so much,” Konate explained. “He is a player that everyone loves, the coach loves, he loves the coach, everyone loves each other at this club.”

Those words suggest a squad keen to protect one of its senior figures rather than allow external narratives to disrupt momentum. With a demanding schedule ahead and Salah set to depart shortly for the Africa Cup of Nations, internal harmony is critical.

Slot addresses situation with clarity

Slot was equally forthright when questioned about Salah’s status. “No, for me there is no issue to resolve,” he said during his post-match press conference. “For me, he is the same as any other player.”

The Liverpool head coach confirmed Salah’s absence in Milan was linked to the timing of his interview, but framed the decision as a matter of management rather than punishment. “Every manager makes different decisions about that,” Slot said, underlining the subjective nature of leadership at the top level.

Slot also stressed the importance of discretion. “What has been said between the two of us in that conversation stays between us,” he added. “When I speak to Virgil or Mo or any other player, I never tell you guys what we talk about.”

That approach reflects a manager intent on shielding the dressing room from prolonged scrutiny, keeping the focus firmly on performance and results.

Actions speak at Anfield

Ultimately, Slot pointed to Salah’s reintegration as the most telling indicator that the issue has been settled. The forward was named among the substitutes, introduced as the first change, and immediately influenced the contest.

“But actions speak louder than what has been said,” Slot said. “He was in the squad again and when I had to make my first substitution, I brought him in and he performed as every fan wanted him to.”

As Liverpool move into a pivotal phase of the season, that clarity is vital. Speculation around Salah’s future may not disappear, particularly with the January window approaching, but the response from Konate, Slot and Salah himself suggests alignment rather than discord.

For now, Liverpool appear focused on football again — and Salah, despite recent turbulence, remains central to that picture.