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Arne Slot declined to confirm whether Mohamed Salah has already made his final appearance for Liverpool, after the departing Anfield icon described the club as "crumbling" and appeared to take aim at the manager for altering the team's playing style this season.
Following the success of 2024–25, which was largely built on the foundations of the Jürgen Klopp era, Liverpool underwent a significant overhaul this summer after expenditure surpassed $600 million last year, with Slot looking to reshape the squad in his own vision. However, things have not gone as expected, and it is widely believed that a fractured relationship between Slot and Salah is the driving force behind the legendary forward's departure.
In a post on X last weekend, following Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa that left their Champions League fate hanging until the final day of the season, Salah invoked the "heavy metal attacking" football closely associated with Klopp. "That is the identity that needs to be restored and maintained permanently. It should be non-negotiable, and everyone who joins this club must adapt to it."
It's hard to read this as anything other than a pointed criticism of Slot, which seems to have split opinion among players, supporters, and club legends alike. Former Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney came out strongly against Salah.
Salah Involvement vs. Brentford Unclear
Slot attempted to stay composed amid the controversy ahead of Liverpool's home clash with Brentford on Sunday. A point or more will secure Champions League football, but a loss could see them overtaken by Bournemouth should the Cherries defeat Nottingham Forest — with only goal difference standing between the two sides.
"I don't think it matters how I feel," Slot said, keeping the focus firmly on the result. "What matters is that we qualify for the Champions League. I'm preparing Mo and the rest of the squad to be at their best."
Slot indicated that Salah's public remarks had shown no visible effect in training throughout the week, and that he and Salah ultimately share the same goal: "We want the club to succeed."
"We were both involved in delivering the title to the fans last year, and we haven't matched that standard this season. What we all want is to replicate the success of last year. Will he play? I never reveal team selection details, and I won't start now. There are a lot of variables, but we know what's required on Sunday."
Salah Tributes Will Go Ahead
Should Slot choose to make a statement by leaving Salah out as punishment for his public criticism, it would mean the Egyptian winger's final appearance in a Liverpool shirt came as a late substitute in the demoralizing defeat to Villa — far from the farewell a true legend would hope for.
Regardless of whether he features on the pitch, Salah is set to receive a send-off befitting his remarkable legacy. Supporters are expected to pay tribute to him throughout the afternoon, and the club's media team has produced a special documentary, Salah: Farewell to the King, set to be released on Friday.