More Mr Nice Guy, perhaps. If Arne Slot can put on a good show, the Dutchman feels he has inner strength. In its most trying period, the Liverpool The manager may have demonstrated this, although the explanation was given in his usual gentle manner.
“Usually I’m calm, I’m polite but that doesn’t mean I’m weak, so if a player makes these comments about so many things then it’s up to me and the club to react,” he said. “We reacted as you can see: he is not there.”
Advertisement
The player in question is of course Mohamed Salah: undoubtedly one of the greatest in Liverpool history, but a man that Slot first left the team and then, after Salah’s explosive interview on Saturdayremoved him from first-team competition. Salah had accused Liverpool of throwing him under the bus. Slot responded by not taking her on the plane. Liverpool arrived in Milan to face Inter without three wingers, with Federico Chiesa ill and Cody Gakpo injured. This could have been a reason to grant Salah a reprieve.
Slot insisted he did not think his authority had been weakened (PA)
Slot chose not to do so. THE conversation at training Tuesday was, Slot said, “a short one.” He clarified: “We let him know that he was not traveling with us. That was the only communication from us with him. Of course, before Saturday, we talked a lot, sometimes longer, sometimes more briefly.” But brevity was enough after their relationship broke down.
The Egyptian had said that he no longer had it with his manager. Slot’s view was different. “That’s not how I feel, but he has the right to feel what he feels,” he said. “I didn’t feel that way at all until Saturday night, that’s for sure.”
Advertisement
Slot’s explanation of the situation It was tactical, not personal.. He had passed on Salah, a man who felt his past deeds were worth picking now, for the sake of strength. “We looked very vulnerable, in my opinion, with everything I tried against (Nottingham) Forest and PSV (Eindhoven), and I decided to play with an extra midfielder,” he said. Now that he is without wingers, he may have to take this policy further.
The short-term decision that Slot agree with Liverpool hierarchyhad to take Salah out of the selection equation: for Inter and, presumably, for Brighton on Saturday. Next, the 33-year-old heads to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Last week’s cameo against Sunderland has the potential to prove Salah’s final appearance for Liverpool. “I have no idea, I can’t answer that question right now,” Slot said. According to him, when the striker signed a new contract as recently as April, Salah cast doubt on his own future. “I firmly believe that there is always a possibility of a player coming back.” But it is far from definitive.
Salah was absent for Liverpool’s trip to Milan despite training on Monday (PA)
And, with Slot gaining support from both Liverpool’s powerbrokers and his other charges, with goalkeeper Alisson claiming they believed in his knowledge and style of play, it could force Salah to accept he was wrong.
Advertisement
Slot insisted that while he is not weak, he is not weakened either. “I don’t feel like my authority is being weakened,” he said. “That’s not how I feel. He has every right to feel the way he feels but he has no right to share it with the media.”
One manager said he was perplexed that Salah had been placed under a rather different type of coach. “Then I should know what exactly he means by that,” he said. “That’s why it’s difficult for me, why he’s saying it and who he’s referring to.”
Slot said he had “no idea” if Salah would play for the club again (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson was able to offer some perspective. Arguably no Liverpool player knows Salah better. As the goalkeeper pointed out, they were teammates at Roma before meeting again at Anfield. “We are good friends. We share good times, happy times so it creates a bond,” he said.
Advertisement
And yet, the Brazilian’s sympathy seemed less towards Salah. “You have the freedom to speak, but you must face the consequences,” he reflected. “The fact that he’s not available is just a consequence of what he did and he’s smart enough to know that.”
Alisson also praised Salah effusively. “A great guy, a great character, a legend with Liverpool,” he added. “Of course the situation is not pleasant. We were a bit surprised but we know it’s a personal situation between him and the club.”
Alisson offered the view from the dressing room (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It is, however, a personal situation which has consequences for a club which has lost nine games and won only four of its last 15, which suddenly finds itself short of players, who are very much underdogs when they face Inter. Liverpool bought some time by exiling Salah in the short term, but without disciplining him. Beyond that, even his good friend doesn’t know what’s going to happen.
Advertisement
“I can’t think of anything but I hope he plays for the club again,” added Alisson. “As teammates and friends we hope the best happens to him, but as Liverpool players we also want the best for the club. We want a win-win situation for everyone.” And lately, it’s a lose-lose scenario for Salah and Slot. But if the manager emerges stronger from his show of force, he could benefit from it.
