Key points from Arne Slot press conference as Mo Salah bombshell addressed

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool bombshell has caused quite the stir ahead of Arne Slot’s press conference before the Champions League clash with Inter Milan

Everything you need to know from Arne Slot’s Liverpool press conference as the Reds boss speaks to reporters for the first time since Mohamed Salah’s bombshell clams

• Arne Slot expressed surprise and confirmed Mohamed Salah’s exclusion from the travelling squad to face Inter Milan in the Champions League. The manager stated this decision was made in full consultation with the club as a direct reaction to Salah’s recent “explosive outburst” in a post-match interview.
• The manager admitted uncertainty regarding Mohamed Salah’s long-term future, stating he has “no clue” if the winger will play for Liverpool again. Despite the public drama, Slot firmly denied that Salah’s claims about their broken relationship had undermined his managerial authority.
• Slot made it clear that the club must react when a player creates unrest through public comments, which is the main reason for Salah’s immediate exclusion. He believes the player is aware that his actions have consequences and expects to reassess the situation after the upcoming Champions League fixture.
• Goalkeeper Alisson Becker commented on the situation, admitting the entire squad was “a little bit caught by surprise” by Salah’s interview. He emphasised that the team hopes for a win-win resolution for both Salah and the club, prioritising the club’s best interest in the end.
• Alisson publicly threw his support behind manager Arne Slot, expressing confidence in his leadership despite the team’s current poor form. The goalkeeper asserted that the players trust in Slot’s knowledge and style of play to help turn the team’s results around.
• Alisson defended Salah’s right to freedom of speech, noting the player is entitled to talk about how he feels about his own situation. However, he stressed that Salah must also “deal with the consequences” of his comments, clarifying that the team’s necessary reaction is to stay together and work hard.
• Slot provided key injury updates, confirming that forward Cody Gakpo will be sidelined for “a few weeks” after picking up an injury against Leeds. Additionally, midfielder Federico Chiesa was ruled out of the Inter Milan fixture due to illness, compounding the selection issues for the squad.
• The manager insisted on immediately refocusing the conversation away from the Salah controversy and onto the importance of the upcoming Champions League fixture. Slot acknowledged that Inter Milan is a strong, disciplined, and experienced team, demanding a proper reaction from Liverpool to earn a victory.
• READ THE FULL STORY: Arne Slot breaks Liverpool silence after Mo Salah ‘thrown under the bus’ interview