Everything moves very quickly in football. Mohamed Salah (33 years old) is the perfect example. Liverpool’s flagship player in recent years, the Egyptian footballer, who is even seen as a club legend by some, has lost his place as a favorite with the Reds. In recent weeks, the Pharaoh has started several matches on the bench. Tired and annoyed by his situation, he finally broke his silence last weekend in front of the press. “I am very, very disappointed. I have done so much for this club over the years, and especially last season. Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. Looks like the club threw me under the bus. That’s how I feel. It’s very clear to me that someone wanted me to take all the responsibility.”
Asked about his future, he who is often linked to Saudi Arabia, he confided: “In football, you never know. I do not accept this situation. I have done so much for this club. I don’t want to answer this question (about Saudi Arabia), because the club will take me in a different direction. After everything I’ve done for this club, it really hurts, really. Imagine: you go from home to the club without knowing if you are going to start.” Criticized by a good part of the British press and by consultants, Mo Salah has also received some support, including that of Virgil van Dijk with whom he has played for several years among the residents of Anfield Road.
Slot and the club decided to sideline him
“I’ve been with Mo for a very long time and I said that in another interview. He played an important role in my success within the club, he played an important role in the success of the club. I played a big part in his success and we all worked together at Liverpool. The reality is that he leaves this weekend and I hope he has an exceptional African Cup of Nations. But after that, I have no idea what’s going to happen.” For his part, Arne Slot did not appreciate his player washing his dirty laundry in public. Ditto for the management of the Reds, who decided to leave him at home on Tuesday while his club faced Inter in the Champions League (1-0 victory). This Friday, on the eve of facing Brighton, the subject came up again.
Present at a press conference, Arne Slot first spoke of his strong choice to do without the services of his star in C1. “Who made the decision? I think the club decided, and I participated too. We decided not to include him in the match against Inter. I am still in contact with them (its leaders, editor’s note). Regarding team compositions and numbers, it’s always me who manages that. I speak more often with Richard Hughes than with Michael Edwards, we discuss lots of subjects. Then, he was cooked on his player, who we do not yet know whether or not he will return to the group this weekend. Slot has not yet decided.
The Reds coach discusses the future of his star
“I will have a conversation with Mo this morning and the outcome will determine what happens next. What I need is a conversation with him. The next time I speak about Mo, it will be in his presence, not here. I don’t have much else to add. I will speak to him today, and the outcome of this conversation will determine what happens next. You can try different ways, but I just said that the next time I talk about him, it will be in his presence. I believe there were many conversations last week between his representatives and ours. An apology? Normally, I would say that you have had your three questions! »
Then, he was asked about the future of Mohamed Salah, under contract until 2027, who is announced in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Premier League. “Do I want him to stay?” That’s another way of asking the question, but the next time I talk about Mo, it will be in his presence. I don’t see any reason not to want him to stay.” We have had more convincing, but for the moment the LFC coach is not considering parting with it. Finally, some journalists asked him if his team’s victory in Milan was revenge after Salah’s punchy exit. “There is no point asking this question… This club has won a lot of matches with Mo, so here is the answer.” Slot, usually more talkative, will find his player who scored 5 goals and 3 assists in 19 matches this season. Their meeting will determine the course of events. To be continued…
