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Mohamed Salah spoke out against Arne Slot earlier this season before announcing he would be leaving Liverpool
Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot
Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot's relationship was a topic of discussion earlier this season(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot's fallout
Context of the Fallout: The tension began in late 2025 as Liverpool endured a difficult run of form, dropping to ninth in the Premier League table after losing six of their first thirteen matches. Manager Arne Slot began rotating his squad heavily in search of a spark, which resulted in Salah being benched for several high-profile games.
The Starting Streak Ends: In November, Salah was dropped for a match against West Ham, ending an incredible run of 53 consecutive Premier League starts. Although Slot initially praised Salah's "professional" reaction, the forward was clearly frustrated at being an unused substitute during the 2-0 win.
The Leeds United Outburst: The situation reached a breaking point following a 3-3 draw against Leeds United on December 6, where Salah was left out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive league game. After the match, a visibly angry Salah stopped to speak with journalists in the mixed zone.
Thrown Under the Bus: During this interview, Salah infamously claimed he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club and the manager during their recent slump. He suggested that he was being made the scapegoat for the team's poor defensive performances and overall lack of cohesion.
Relationship Breakdown: Salah further stunned reporters by stating that his relationship with Arne Slot had deteriorated without any clear explanation. He noted that they had a good rapport initially but it had disappeared as he was relegated to the bench.
Internal Disciplinary Action: In response to the interview, Slot omitted Salah from the squad for a midweek Champions League clash against Inter Milan. The manager and the Liverpool board reportedly felt that speaking out against the coach publicly required clear consequences.
The Resolution Process: The fallout was resolved through meetings between the two following the Inter Milan game. Slot later told the media that "actions speak louder than words" and that he had clarified his tactical reasons for the rotation directly with the player.
Return to the Pitch: Salah made his return as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Brighton on December 13, where he immediately made an impact by assisting a goal for Hugo Ekitike. Slot praised his performance after the game, stating there were "no issues to resolve" and that Salah remained a vital part of the team.
Legend's Farewell Confirmed: Despite patching things up, Salah announced in March 2026 that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Slot has since called him a Liverpool legend, ensuring that his final months at Anfield will be a celebratory farewell rather than a continuation of the previous drama.