In the pre-match press conference at San Siro, Slot faced a series of questions regarding Salah's frustrated statements. The Egyptian forward claimed Liverpool broke promises, wanted him to leave the club, and that his relationship with coach Slot had fractured after being benched for three consecutive matches.

Slot maintained a calm demeanor amidst the barrage of questions about these criticisms. "The only person who can answer that question is Salah himself," he replied. "I do not know who he was referring to. Before saturday's match, we spoke quite a lot, and I did not feel our relationship had fractured. I was truly surprised to hear those comments. But this is not the first or last time Salah has not played."

Coach Arne Slot during the pre-match press conference for Liverpool's Champions League match against Inter Milan on 8/11. Photo: Liverpool FC

Coach Arne Slot during the pre-match press conference for Liverpool's Champions League match against Inter Milan on 8/11. Photo: Liverpool FC

The Dutch manager stated that Salah reacted coolly when informed he was not included in the squad traveling to Milan for the Champions League. However, Slot still believes every player has a chance to return to the club. Regarding the decision to bench Salah for the three recent matches, Slot explained he had to change tactics as Liverpool consistently underperformed.

In addition to Salah, Liverpool will also be without Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa for the trip to Milan. Slot confirmed Gakpo sustained an injury in the match against Leeds and will be out for several weeks, while Chiesa is ill.

When the press conference finally shifted focus to the upcoming match, Slot praised Inter, a team that reached the Champions League final in the 2023 and 2025 seasons. "We will face a very strong, experienced, and high-quality team," he remarked.

Slot noted that Inter, under Cristian Chivu, has not changed significantly compared to his predecessor Simone Inzaghi. "I see more similarities than differences," the 47-year-old coach said. "The system remains the same, and the personnel are largely unchanged. It is normal when taking over a team that reached the Champions League final to continue what they do well."

Mohamed Salah participated in training on 8/12, but later did not travel to Milan with Liverpool. Photo: Liverpool FC

Mohamed Salah participated in training on 8/12, but later did not travel to Milan with Liverpool. Photo: Liverpool FC

Alisson also received numerous questions about Salah during yesterday's press conference. "Such situations are never easy," the Brazilian goalkeeper expressed. "Salah is loved by everyone in the dressing room and by the fans. But this is an issue between him and the club. We are now focused solely on Inter. I am very sorry because Salah is a great player, and I have a very good relationship with him."

Regarding the possibility of reconciliation between Salah and Liverpool, Alisson believes there is still hope. "I think so. Any relationship can be restored," he stated. "With all that Salah has done for the team, and what the club has done for him, I believe everything will eventually be fine. And I hope it is."

Coach Cristian Chivu also offered his perspective on Salah's absence from the match at San Siro. "Everyone knows what Salah means to Liverpool and to football," he said. "But that is not my concern. Liverpool has players capable of replacing him. They will maintain their historical level of play."

According to Chivu, Inter must not focus on one individual, as Liverpool is a team with great depth. "We are talking about the team, not one player," the Romanian coach emphasized. "What matters is how the team operates. Liverpool has many quality players, and that is what we must contend with."

Hong Duy (according to Football Italy)