Mohamed Salah and coach Arne Slot held a direct conversation at Liverpool's training center on 12/12. While details of the discussion, including whether Salah apologized, remain undisclosed, the Egyptian forward's inclusion in the squad for the Brighton match suggests a de-escalation of tensions.

Salah had previously expressed frustration after being benched for three consecutive Premier League matches. Following the 3-3 draw at Leeds United last week, he publicly stated he felt unfairly treated and had no relationship left with Slot. He also indicated that the Brighton game might serve as an opportunity to bid farewell to Liverpool fans before joining the Egyptian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), starting on 15/12. Salah even hinted that his family would be at Anfield, suggesting it could be his final match after many successful years with "The Reds".

The day after this shocking interview, Salah was omitted from the squad for Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League victory against Inter Milan midweek.

Coach Arne Slot (right) and Mohamed Salah smiling after Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, Burnley, Lancashire, England on 14/9. *Photo: EPA*

During a press conference on the morning of 12/12, Slot maintained that he would not include Salah in the squad if it went against the team's best interests. Prior to his private meeting with the 33-year-old forward, the Dutch coach acknowledged it was a tense period and stated he never wanted conflict with one of Liverpool's greatest players.

"I always prioritize the interests of the team and the club," Slot stated. "I haven't said this before, but I truly do not enjoy the current situation. We have won championships together, and Salah has done so much for the club. Ideally, you never find yourself in such circumstances with a player."

Slot also emphasized his desire to prevent the Brighton match from becoming "a media circus," as it would not benefit any party. The 47-year-old coach denied wanting to sell Salah during the mid-season transfer window and refuted accusations that the Egyptian forward had been treated disrespectfully.

Salah waving to fans after Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds at Elland Road, Leeds, United Kingdom, during the Premier League 15th round on the evening of 6/12. *Photo: Shutterstock*

Regarding the incident, former Man Utd defender Gary Neville expressed sympathy for both parties, drawing parallels between Salah's situation and Cristiano Ronaldo's tumultuous departure from Man Utd in 2022. "When you are a world-class player, you often have a very different perspective," he said. "I understand why Liverpool is disappointed, but I also understand why Salah is frustrated when he isn't playing."

Meanwhile, former player Paul Merson defended Salah, suggesting the Egyptian forward was being overly criticized. "Liverpool would not have won those titles without Salah," Merson stated. "Salah's goal and assist statistics are extraordinary. All Salah wants is to play football."

According to British media, Salah's absence during the AFCON is seen as an opportunity for the club's management and his agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, to work on resolving outstanding issues before the Egyptian forward's return in January. The Times newspaper, however, speculates that Salah could potentially move to the Saudi Pro League, noting that major clubs in Saudi Arabia had previously offered 200 million USD for the winger in 2023, which Liverpool rejected.

Hong Duy (via The Guardian, Sky Sports)