Arne Slot's recent handling of Mohamed Salah has generated considerable discussion, with the Liverpool manager offering a somewhat "uneasy" perspective on the possibility of dropping the Egyptian star again. This follows a period of turbulence between the two, marked by Salah's public criticism of the club and manager after being benched in multiple Premier League matches.
The friction seemed to peak after a 3-3 draw against Leeds United in early December, where Salah expressed his frustration, stating he felt "thrown under the bus" amidst Liverpool's underwhelming form. Slot responded by omitting Salah from the squad for a Champions League match against Inter Milan, a decision that amplified speculation about a deteriorating relationship.
However, recent developments suggest a potential thaw in the dynamic. Salah returned to Liverpool's starting lineup for a Champions League victory against Marseille this week, with Slot praising the player's professionalism. Despite this apparent reconciliation, Slot's "uneasy" verdict implies a lingering uncertainty about the situation.
Several factors contribute to this sense of unease. Firstly, the initial conflict arose from Salah's dissatisfaction with his playing time, indicating a potential clash of expectations between the player and the manager. Secondly, while Salah's return to the starting XI against Marseille was successful, Slot faces the challenge of balancing the team's attacking options, with players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike also demonstrating strong form.
Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam suggested that the time apart during the Africa Cup of Nations provided both parties with an opportunity to "breathe and digest the fallout". Steven Gerrard also weighed in, advising all involved to find a way to move forward. He noted that Slot had shown faith in Salah by immediately reintegrating him into the lineup and emphasized the need to move on from the disagreement.
Despite these positive signs, Slot's cautious stance suggests he is wary of potential future complications. The manager is likely aware of the renewed interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in acquiring Salah, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Salah's performance against Brighton before departing for AFCON offered hope that he would remain at Liverpool, the possibility of a transfer still looms.
Ultimately, Arne Slot's "uneasy" verdict reflects the delicate balance he must strike in managing a star player like Mohamed Salah. While both parties appear to have taken steps towards reconciliation, underlying tensions and external factors continue to create uncertainty. Slot's approach will be crucial in ensuring that Salah remains a key contributor to Liverpool's success while also maintaining team harmony and addressing the club's long-term goals.
