Liverpool manager Arne Slot has suggested that Mohamed Salah’s exile from the squad may not be permanent, but insisted the Egyptian forward would need to take responsibility for his recent outburst and initiate dialogue before any reconciliation could begin.
Slot Opens the Door—But With Conditions
Liverpool recorded a crucial away victory at the San Siro, edging Inter Milan after Dominik Szoboszlai calmly converted an 88th-minute penalty. The win lifted the Reds into the top eight and briefly shifted attention away from the rumbling tensions surrounding Salah’s fallout with the club.
Speaking to Amazon Prime following the match, Slot hinted that Salah could still return—but only under strict conditions. “You say everyone makes mistakes in life, so the first thing should be: does the player think he’s made a mistake as well? And then the next question is, should the initiative come from me or him?” Slot told pundit Clarence Seedorf.
Slot’s remarks signalled that the Egyptian must first acknowledge wrongdoing before talks can take place. The comment was seen by many as a direct challenge to Salah, whose verbal dispute with club officials earlier in the week shook Liverpool’s usually controlled dressing-room environment.
Mixed Messages as Slot Attempts to Calm the Waters
The Dutchman later appeared to soften his comments, insisting he had not assigned blame or responsibility over who should make the first move. “Clarence said that in his opinion and I didn’t say who should make the first step,” Slot clarified post-match.
The Liverpool boss attempted to steer attention back to his players, praising their resilience and desire after a demanding run of fixtures. Slot emphasised that the focus “should be all about the players that are here,” pointing to Liverpool’s history of memorable European nights and insisting that the current squad had once again delivered under pressure.
Despite his attempts at diplomacy, Slot’s earlier words had already sparked debate among Liverpool supporters, with many interpreting them as an unmistakable call for Salah to apologise before being reintegrated into the squad.
Van Dijk Ready for Talks—But Keeps Details Private
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk confirmed he intends to speak with Salah privately, acknowledging both his leadership responsibilities and his friendship with the forward. “I have to, I’m going to talk to him,” Van Dijk said.
However, the Dutch defender distanced himself from deciding whether Salah should apologise. “I’m not the one to speak if someone has to apologise. It’s him airing his feelings. That’s something the club has to deal with, obviously, me as well,” Van Dijk stated.
The defender stressed that whatever conversations take place will remain confidential, insisting that internal disputes should not fuel media speculation. For Van Dijk, unity within the squad matters more than responding publicly to scrutiny from outside Anfield.
A Performance That Eased Pressure
Liverpool’s late victory came amidst intense scrutiny of squad depth and fatigue, with only 13 outfield players available. Slot praised his team’s “great mentality” and resilience, especially after dropping points in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds earlier in the week.
Against a formidable Inter side, Liverpool produced a composed second-half display, limiting chances for the hosts and seizing late control. For Slot, the win not only bolstered Liverpool’s European standing but also helped defuse a volatile moment within the dressing room.
The manager highlighted the significance of performance levels under pressure, particularly during a test of physical and mental strength over a congested schedule of fixtures.
Salah’s Future Clouded by Africa Cup Commitment
A further complication for Liverpool is Salah’s impending departure for international duty in Africa, limiting the time available for internal resolution. “The reality also is that Mo is going to Africa soon,” Van Dijk noted, acknowledging that the timing of potential peace talks adds another layer of uncertainty.
Van Dijk pointed to his long-standing friendship with Salah, stressing that the pair have “been through highs and lows,” and conversations between them “will stay indoors as it should be.” Nonetheless, he warned the squad must stay united and prepared “against the outside noise.”
As Liverpool continue their European push, the question remains whether Salah and Slot can meet the conditions necessary for his return—or whether the club must prepare for life without one of its greatest modern icons.
