Arne Slot’s pre-match press conference at San Siro on Monday evening revealed a manager facing perhaps the most significant crisis of his Liverpool tenure. Speaking just 36 hours after his team’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds United, Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah would not travel to Milan for the Champions League clash with Inter, marking a decisive escalation in the breakdown of their relationship following the Egyptian forward’s controversial post-match comments.
The Comments That Changed Everything
The situation stems from remarks Salah made following the Leeds draw, in which he suggested he had been “thrown under the bus.” When pressed on whether he believed these comments were directed at him personally, Slot demonstrated measured restraint. “The only one who can answer that question is Mo himself,” he stated, refusing to speculate about the forward’s intentions while acknowledging the difficulty in determining who Salah was referencing.
This diplomatic opening belied the firmness of Slot’s subsequent responses. The manager’s confirmation that their only communication since Saturday had been to inform Salah he would not be traveling to Milan spoke volumes about the deterioration in their relationship. For a player of Salah’s stature and importance to be excluded from such a crucial Champions League fixture represents an extraordinary escalation, one that signals Slot’s determination to establish clear boundaries regarding acceptable conduct.
A Relationship Under Strain
Slot’s assertion that he did not feel their relationship had broken down until Saturday evening provided insight into how suddenly this crisis emerged. The manager described Salah’s behavior during recent weeks when he was not starting matches as exemplary, noting the forward remained respectful to staff and teammates while training with full commitment. This made Salah’s public comments all the more surprising and, from Slot’s perspective, disappointing.
The manager’s characterization of his reaction to the comments as both emotional and measured was revealing. While acknowledging that players who do not feature often express frustration, Slot made clear that the manner and forum of Salah’s complaints crossed a line. “Usually I’m calm and polite but that doesn’t mean I’m weak,” he stated pointedly, establishing that decisiveness should not be mistaken for indecisiveness or vulnerability to pressure.
This distinction is crucial to understanding Slot’s approach. He recognizes players’ right to feel aggrieved about selection decisions, but draws a firm line at public criticism through media channels. The decision to exclude Salah from the Inter match represents his response to what he views as a breach of professional standards, regardless of the player’s status within the squad.
The Tactical Rationale
Slot provided detailed explanation for his recent selection decisions, offering context for why Salah has found himself on the bench. The manager identified Liverpool’s struggles against opponents employing long-ball tactics and direct styles as a recurring problem that has intensified this season. His tactical experimentation, including the use of an extra midfielder against West Ham and Sunderland, stemmed from attempts to counter these approaches.
Against Leeds, facing a 5-3-2 formation, Slot opted for a 4-4-2 diamond system with Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo operating wide and Florian Wirtz centrally. The manager’s acknowledgment that he could have selected Salah instead of Ekitike but chose not to was delivered without apology or justification beyond tactical preference. This matter-of-fact explanation reinforced the message that selection is based on what Slot believes gives Liverpool the best chance to win, not on reputation or status.
The manager’s broader assessment that Liverpool has looked “very vulnerable” against certain tactical approaches following various attempted solutions demonstrates the scale of challenges he faces. His willingness to make bold selection decisions, including benching Salah, reflects conviction that traditional approaches have not worked and that different solutions must be explored.
Uncertainty About the Future
Perhaps the most striking moment in the press conference came when Slot was asked whether Salah has played his last game for Liverpool. “I have no clue, I cannot answer that question at this moment of time,” he responded, a statement that will reverberate throughout football given Salah’s iconic status at the club and his imminent departure for Africa Cup of Nations duty.
This admission of uncertainty, combined with Slot’s assertion that he is “a firm believer that there’s always a possibility to return for a player,” left all options on the table. The manager’s focus on the immediate challenge of preparing for Inter, rather than resolving the Salah situation definitively, suggests he views this as an evolving situation requiring careful consideration rather than hasty decisions made in emotional circumstances.
When asked whether Salah would be considered for selection on Saturday, Slot again emphasized the priority of preparing for Inter before addressing future decisions. This measured approach, prioritizing tactical preparation for upcoming matches over rushing to resolve personnel issues, demonstrates professional discipline even amid significant distractions.
Authority and Accountability
Slot firmly rejected suggestions that his authority had been undermined by the situation, though he acknowledged the difficulty of the current circumstances extends beyond his personal challenges. His emphasis on the impact on staff members who work tirelessly and his concern for the team and club’s wellbeing revealed a manager thinking beyond his own position or ego.
“It’s not about me, if my life is difficult yes or no, that’s not very important in a situation like this,” Slot insisted, redirecting focus toward collective impact rather than personal grievance. This framing positions the Salah exclusion not as retaliation for perceived disrespect but as protection of team culture and organizational standards.
The manager’s acknowledgment that nobody wants Liverpool in their current situation, referencing both results and now this internal conflict, showed awareness of the broader context. However, his determination to maintain standards regardless of circumstances demonstrated unwillingness to compromise principles for short-term convenience or to appease a high-profile player.
Communication Breakdown
The revelation that Slot and Salah have not had a substantive conversation about the meaning behind the forward’s comments highlighted the communication breakdown at the heart of this crisis. Slot acknowledged speaking with Salah twice in the lead-up to the Leeds match, conversations of varying length, but confirmed no dialogue has occurred since regarding the controversial remarks.
This absence of clarifying conversation leaves both parties operating on assumptions about the other’s position and intentions. Slot’s repeated acknowledgment that he does not know exactly what Salah meant or who he was referencing suggests either unwillingness to engage in such discussion or that Salah has declined to provide explanation. Either scenario points to a relationship requiring significant repair work before normal professional relations can resume.
The manager’s observation that Salah has “every right to feel what he feels, but he doesn’t have the right to share it with the media” captured his position succinctly. Correcting himself to acknowledge that Salah does technically have the right to speak publicly but that Liverpool equally has the right to respond, Slot established the framework for his decision-making. Actions have consequences, and public criticism triggers organizational response.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the Salah situation, Slot addressed the challenge of facing Inter with professional focus that suggested determination not to allow internal issues to undermine tactical preparation. His detailed assessment of Inter’s qualities, noting their disciplined and experienced squad, Champions League pedigree, and strong performances under Cristian Chivu, demonstrated that match preparation has continued despite obvious distractions.
The manager’s analysis of Inter’s similarities to the team that reached last season’s Champions League final under Simone Inzaghi revealed tactical homework completed. His observation that Chivu has largely maintained his predecessor’s approach while perhaps adding personal touches showed respect for Inter’s continuity and quality.
Slot’s reminiscence about facing Chivu during his playing days, and his observation that the defender’s qualities are reflected in his team’s style, added personal context to tactical analysis. The ability to compartmentalize personal challenges while maintaining professional focus on upcoming opponents demonstrates the resilience required at elite management level.
Moving Forward
As Liverpool prepare for their crucial Champions League encounter, they do so without their most prolific attacker and amid uncertainty about when or whether he will return. Slot’s handling of this crisis will define perceptions of his management style and authority during Liverpool’s most challenging period in recent years.
The coming days will reveal whether this decisive stand strengthens Slot’s position by establishing clear standards or whether it further destabilizes a squad already struggling with results and confidence. What is certain is that Slot has chosen confrontation over accommodation, principle over pragmatism, and long-term cultural considerations over short-term convenience. Whether this approach proves wise will be determined by results on the pitch and the ultimate resolution of Liverpool’s relationship with one of their greatest modern players.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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