Arne Slot Breaks Silence: Liverpool Boss Unveils His Game Plan for Mohamed Salah's Future
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has stated his desire to keep Mohamed Salah at the club, though he remains undecided about the Egyptian's participation in Saturday's match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Following Salah's explosive comments after being benched for three consecutive matches - where he suggested he was being scapegoated and potentially forced out of Anfield - the forward was omitted from the squad that secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League during the week.
Saturday's home fixture against Brighton marks the last opportunity before Salah joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, which overlaps with the January transfer period. With widespread rumors linking him to a potential winter departure, there's a real possibility that Salah may have already made his final appearance for Liverpool if he doesn't return to Slot's squad this weekend.
When questioned about Salah's potential return against Brighton, Slot addressed his pre-match media briefing: "I plan to have a discussion with Mo this morning, and that conversation will determine what happens tomorrow.
"What's needed is a direct conversation with him, and the next time I discuss Mo should be alongside him, not here. There isn't much else to add. I'll speak with him today and that discussion will shape tomorrow's situation."
Slot acknowledged extensive behind-the-scenes discussions regarding the matter while avoiding a direct question about whether his tactical requirements were central to Salah's concerns.
"As I mentioned, my next comments about him should be made in his presence," the Liverpool manager added. "There have been numerous discussions between his agents and our club, our officials and him, and between myself and him following the Sunderland match."
Slot: I Don't Want Salah to Leave
Though Slot confirmed discussions with club hierarchy about Salah's immediate team role, he emphasized that the final decision to exclude the Egyptian striker was his alone, and he will similarly decide on his involvement against Brighton.
"I believe we made a collective club decision, which I was part of, to exclude him from the Inter Milan squad," he explained. "I maintain regular contact with them, but regarding team selection and squad decisions, they consistently defer to my judgment. That doesn't mean we don't communicate. Primarily with Richard [Hughes, sporting director], not Michael [Edwards, chief executive].
"I discuss numerous matters with him, but the choice to field a player or include him in the squad, based on my experience so far—and I believe this will remain unchanged—rests entirely with me."
Additional inquiries about Salah received similar responses from an upbeat Slot, who chuckled at persistent efforts to extract more details. The Liverpool manager was, however, prepared to express his preference to continue collaborating with the winger.
"My next discussion about Mo should include him," he maintained. "I have no motivation to want him to leave, if that provides some clarity."
A query about the current state of Slot's relationship with Salah was dismissed as "pointless" by the cheerful manager, who continued to laugh at a final suggestion that Liverpool's successful streak without Salah in the starting eleven might have validated his choice.
"This club has achieved numerous, numerous, numerous victories with him, so I believe that addresses your question," Slot concluded.