Arne Slot has said he was happy with the outcome of of Friday's showdown talks with Mohamed Salah, which resulted in the winger being reintegrated into the Liverpool squad against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Slot revealed in his pre-match press conference that he was planning to speak to Salah ahead of the game, with the meeting set to determine whether the 33-year-old would be included in the matchday squad.
That came after Salah's bombshell interview last week in which he criticized the club and head coach, claiming he no longer had a relationship with the latter.
The Egyptian was dropped for the midweek trip to Inter Milan, but Slot made the decision to name Salah on the bench for Saturday's game against Brighton, before he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations next week.
Speaking for the first time since Friday's meeting, Slot was asked by Sky Sports if he was pleased with the outcome.
"Yes, of course, otherwise I would have done [it] probably differently," he replied. "He's back in the squad and on the bench today."
Slot was not forthcoming with any details on how that meeting went, although he will invariably be quizzed on the matter after the Brighton game.
Mohamed Salah will be in the Liverpool squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Slot opted to recall Salah for Saturday's game against Brighton (Image: 2024 CameraSport)
It's understood Slot prioritized the team's needs during those talks with Salah, who will fly to Morocco on Monday and meet up with the Egypt squad.
It is understood the Anfield hierarchy will continue to assess the situation while Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his future, it's not impossible Saturday's game represents his final Liverpool appearance, something Salah hinted at in last week's interview at Elland Road.
Officials from the Saudi Pro League have been forthcoming in their eagerness to sign Liverpool's no.11, who has now been selected as a substitute for the fourth league match in a row.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 9: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Isak was also named on the bench against Brighton (Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak has also been named on the bench, after Slot revealed ahead of the game that the ex-Newcastle United man is struggling with a knock.
Asked on Saturday how severe the injury is, the Dutchman replied: "Minor. He got a knock in both games [last week] and games come quite fast.
"There's also not so much to choose from so it's also nice to have someone off the bench who can impact the game. I have a few others who can do that as well."
A win for 10th-place Liverpool against Brighton would see the champions overtake the Seagulls in the table