Mohamed Salah–Liverpool Rift Deepens as Article Details Fallout With Arne Slot and Impact on Reds' Season

‎A detailed report outlines how Mohamed Salah’s recent actions and public comments have intensified tensions at Liverpool during a challenging season marked by inconsistency. The article draws parallels to a well-known scene in the film Moneyball, highlighting the theme of honest assessment between player and leadership. This comparison frames speculation on how manager Arne Slot may have attempted similar conversations with Salah regarding expectations and responsibility.

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‎Liverpool’s season takes a dramatic turn as a detailed report outlines Mohamed Salah’s strained relationship with Arne Slot and its impact on team performance.

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‎Salah signed a new contract in April guaranteeing two more seasons at Anfield. The report states that his recent performances and responses to criticism have fallen under scrutiny, raising concerns about leadership and influence within the squad. His public comments after being left on the bench were described in the article as a turning point that affected perceptions of his role.

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‎The article summarizes Salah’s outstanding 2024–25 campaign under Slot, during which he delivered 47 combined goals and assists and became the first player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award three times. His current-season output has declined to five goals in 19 appearances, prompting analysis of contributing factors.

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‎Two primary reasons are cited in the report for Salah’s reduced impact: the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s service following his move to Real Madrid, and the absence of strong defensive support on the right flank following the departures or unavailability of key players such as Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota. These structural changes reportedly left Liverpool more exposed.

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‎Persistent calls for Salah’s removal from the starting lineup increased as the team endured nine defeats in 12 matches. Slot initially maintained trust in him, starting Salah in Liverpool’s first 12 league fixtures. Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and the subsequent drop to 11th in the table intensified pressure on the manager and squad selections.

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‎Salah’s absence from the starting lineup against West Ham on November 30 coincided with a 2–0 Liverpool victory. The article reports that Salah remained an unused substitute that day and later returned to the bench in league matches against Sunderland and Leeds. Following the Leeds match, he publicly criticized Slot, claiming he had been “thrown under the bus,” comments which drew widespread attention.

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‎Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher previously encouraged Salah to speak publicly during the team’s poor run. Salah responded over the weekend with remarks expressing disappointment at being benched and referencing promises made during the summer. The article notes that these comments were widely interpreted as self-focused rather than team-oriented.

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‎Salah also addressed his relationship with Slot, stating that communication had shifted and suggesting that someone within the club did not want him there. The report contrasts these statements with Slot’s earlier public defense of Salah during criticism earlier in the season.

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‎The article references other underperforming players, including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Alexis Mac Allister, and high-profile signings such as Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez. Despite this broader context, the report assesses Salah as the only senior player who has reacted publicly in this manner.

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‎A comparison is made to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2022 interview regarding Manchester United, describing how public criticism of club leadership once led to a contract termination. The report suggests parallels in tone between Ronaldo’s interview and Salah’s recent comments.

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‎The article claims that Salah’s comments may represent a power move intended to restore his stature within the club rather than an attempt to force an immediate transfer. It further reports that Liverpool’s leadership has taken decisive action, with indications that Salah will not travel for the upcoming Champions League match against Inter.

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‎Liverpool could continue without major calls for Salah’s reinstatement depending on results during his absence. Slot is reported to still hold strong backing from the club’s ownership group, and interest from the Saudi Pro League remains present following Salah’s new contract.

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‎The article concludes by noting that Salah’s future after the Africa Cup of Nations remains uncertain and that the club retains the option to command a significant transfer fee due to his recently signed deal.